Exhibitions

Fall 2019

All events are free and open to the public, unless indicated.

Exhibitions

IN-FAUX-STRUCTURE, August 13 – October 19, 2019

Reception: Friday, September 6, 6-9, with live screenprinting by Rebekah Tolley

Guest Curated by artists Madison LaVallee, Julie Casper Roth, and Melissa Sarris

Opalka Gallery is pleased to present In-faux-structure (#infauxstructure), an all-new group exhibition co-curated by Madison LaVallee, Julie Casper Roth, and Melissa Sarris. The genesis for In-faux-structure came from a conversation among the curators, all regional artists, who discovered they were thinking along the same lines in the seemingly unrelated projects each was exploring in their own artistic practices. What began as a discussion of physical infrastructure—pipes, roads, structures, and networks that fortify our society—quickly shifted to an expanded view of the systems and structures that surround us, from social infrastructure and constructs, to our personal networks and communities. The title, “In-faux-structure,” refers to false or erroneous meanings related to infrastructure: the ephemeral nature of building materials, as well as ambiguities, ironies, and outright injustices related to the ways infrastructure is planned and considered. At every stage—from concept to construction—infrastructure is filled with omissions. These omissions comprise the “faux” of this exhibition. The metaphorical strength of infrastructure is weakened when people and power dynamics are hidden from view. 

The artists or collaborative teams included are: Laura Battle; The Everyday Feminist; Kyra Garrigue; Joan Grubin; Sarah Kayhart & Sadie Kenyon; Lucretia Knapp & Lynne Yamamoto; Madison LaVallee & Michael Valiquette; Jeanna Mead; Janice Medina, Björn Bauer, & Carolyn DiFiori Hopkins; Oliver Peters; Julie Casper Roth; Claire Sherwood; Barbara Todd; Rebekah Tolley; Jason Kates van Staveren; and Jacqueline Weaver & Michael Cunningham.

The In-faux-structure exhibition is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative.

The opening reception coincides with the first night of our outdoor Pop-Up Craft Beer Garden series, featuring food trucks, craft beer, and live music. For more information, please see: Pop-Up Craft Beer Garden