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17/2/2011

Mariah Robertson

Museum 52, New York

It is not news that we are in an era of technological extinction, nevertheless, we are. In her solo exhibition at Museum 52, Mariah Robertson focuses on the strengths and the vulnerabilities of photographic materials. This is not just about nostalgia (if at all), but it is an acknowledgement of the rapid change, or even demise, of a medium that she was introduced to as a young person in the semi-pre-digital photo era.

In Robertson's work (be it her photographic work in this exhibition or her performances) all the elements rise to the surface and are allowed the same visual volume: there is no hierarchy. This is a hands on approach to a hands off, gloves on medium. The potential of every element from start to finish is used. Robertson indulges the possibilities of painterliness in the lush mess of color and drips allowed by the 'misuse' of the chemicals, hands get in the way of the enlarger and elaborate compositions, the limitations of the frames are transcribed as works are (thoughtfully) buckled into the them; anything goes it just might not all work.

To compound the relationship of photography to time is unfair. For Robertson, it is less a memorial, and more something like a last party, but a party where we might not let the guest of honor leave. Change can be part of the chaos, be absorbed into the process and bring new possibilities, but, for now, lets celebrate.


Mariah Robertson's work has been exhibited widely including two solo exhibitions at the renowned artist run gallery Guild and Greyshkul, NY and a recent group shows at MoMA/PS1, NY and The Center For Photography, Pittsburg. Her work was recently included in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, NY and the LA County Museum of Art, CA. She will be part of Art 21 an upcoming series on young artists for PBS.

Opening February 18th 6 – 8pm

Museum 52
4 East 2nd Street at Bowery New York USA
Wednesday - Sunday 12 – 6pm
free admisison

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