The Little Deaths

Anagnorisis Fine Arts and Shadow's Space are pleased to announce an exhibition featuring works that explore the visceral and intellectual foundations behind the well-known French term, “La Petit Mort” or “The Little Death”. Dramatically referring to orgasmic fainting spells or spiritual release, the term evokes the darker, and perhaps more realistic aspects of lust and love. One could possibly say that, through its association with death, it could also hint at the adverse emotions associated with intimacy.

Exploring various interpretations of The Little Deaths are artworks created by a wide range of outstanding artists, from some who are just beginning to show their work to those whose names are recognized internationally. The collection is eclectic, yet the artists, many of whom have created new works exclusively for the exhibit, were carefully chosen for the sensual elements inherent in their artistic styles.

Show Highlights:

Seasoned artists such as Roger Ballen, Christopher Conte, Christian Rex van Minnen and Carrie Ann Baade will punctuate the show with their highly developed signature styles. Ballen’s uncomfortable and real compositions, Baade’s wonderfully allegorical oil paintings, Conte’s mechanical sculpture and van Minnen’s lush and visceral oil paintings have captured the attention of many collectors around the world. The sensual works of the relatively unknown artists, Alex Passapera and Caitlin Hackett, explore themes of animal instinct in human nature. Both artists are very new to exhibiting their work, yet show strong potential for success. Passapera’s detailed ink or pigmented figures are often humans depicted with or mutating into animal forms in sweeping lines and grotesque forms. Hackett’s grotesque animals drawn with ball-point pen and other mediums are exquisitely detailed and delicate, reminiscent of age-old Japanese prints.

Anagnorisis Fine Arts, the brainchild of artists Samantha Levin and Danielle Ezzo, was created for the purposes of offering a support system to and encouraging dialog between artists through the means of exhibition and representation in the New York and east coast area. In addition to working with well-known artists, their exhibits often showcase the talent of those who are just breaking into the art world. Their aesthetic interests veer towards the pop-surreal/lowbrow and neo-grotesque aesthetic.

Participating artists: Anastasia Alexandrin, Carrie Ann Baade, Roger Ballen, Eduardo Benedetto, Molly Bosley, Dana Bunker, Doug Cason, Christopher Conte, Clayton Cubitt, Jonathan Davies, Cam de Leon, Dan Estabrook, Danielle Ezzo, Lori Field, Heather Gargon, Rick Garrett, Kate Jane Garside, Chambliss Giobbi, Celicia Granata, Caitlin Hackett, Scott Holloway, Tina Imel, John Kolbek, Craig LaRotonda, Samantha Levin, Julie Anne Mann, Nia Mora, Dan Ouellette, Alex Passapera, Jeanette Rodrigez, Erin Colleen Williams, Christian Van Minnen, Olga Zeltser



“The Little Deaths” runs from December 4th, 2009 through January 29th, 2010, at Shadow’s Space located at 1248 N Front St (@ Thompson St., Girard stop on the Market Frankford Line) Philadelphia, PA. The opening reception, on Friday December 4th from 6 to 9 pm, is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Shadow’s Space through email (contact@shadowsspace.com) or by telephone at 215.425.1275.

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