Ceysson & Bénétière

Biography

Curtis’s work is informed by her studies of natural and synthetic dyes, and the historical and social implications associated with them. The pieces in this show are made with indigo and madder root dyes, which played a role in the African slave trade. Indigo is used in North and West African, South American and Indian cultures, while salmon and beige-toned madder root is native to many parts of Europe and the Middle East. Both were grown under colonial powers and are deeply tied to the commodification of agriculture and human bodies within mercantile economies. In one instance Curtis uses synthetically dyed fabric to represent inner body muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The invention of synthetic dyes, while challenging ecosystems, was instrumental in ending slave labor and other abusive labor practices globally.

Curtis’s work is informed by her studies of natural and synthetic dyes, and the historical and social implications associated with them. The pieces in this show are made with indigo and madder root dyes, which played a role in the African slave trade. Indigo is used in North and West African, South American and Indian cultures, while salmon and beige-toned madder root is native to many parts of Europe and the Middle East. Both were grown under colonial powers and are deeply tied to the commodification of agriculture and human bodies within mercantile economies. In one instance Curtis uses synthetically dyed fabric to represent inner body muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The invention of synthetic dyes, while challenging ecosystems, was instrumental in ending slave labor and other abusive labor practices globally.

Group shows at Ceysson Gallery
Cult of the Crimson Queen, New York
February 05 - March 14, 2020


Solo Exhibitions

2013
Soul Shell, Klaus von Nichtssagend, New York, NY.

2011
Empty is Run About Freely, Klaus von Nichtssagend, New York, NY. 2009 Joy Curtis, Klaus von Nichtssagend, Brooklyn, NY.

2007
Amphibological Displays, HQ, Brooklyn, NY.

2002
Counter, Seigfred Gallery, Ohio University, Athens, OH.

1999
Pyooraktivity, Black Box Theater, Cedar Falls, IA.

Group Exhibitions

2020
With Every Fiber, Pelham Arts Center, Pelham, NY. (upcoming)
Cult of the Crimson Queen, curated by Michelle Segre, Ceysson & Bénétière, New York, NY.

2019
Counterpointe, Actor’s Fund Art Center, Brooklyn, NY

2017
Baggage Claim, Klaus von Nichtssagend Gallery, New York, NY
Throat Chakra, organized by Christine Heindl, Songs for Presidents, Ridgewood, NY

2016
Weight Over Time, curated by Vincent Como, Tiger Strikes Asteroid, Brooklyn, NY
Rational Curves, curated by Robert Otto Epstein, Matteawan Gallery, Beacon, NY.
Drawing for Sculpture, curated by Courtney Puckett, Tiger Strikes Asteroid, Brooklyn, NY

2014
Object‘Hood, Sargent’s Daughters, New York, NY

2013
Location, Location, Location, Brooklyn, NY.
Thanks, Lu Magnus, New York, NY.

2012
FOUND Outside, Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, Ridgefield, CT

2011
The Finishers, curated by Ethan Greenbaum and Eric Gleason, The Wassaic Project, Wassaic, NY
Emerging Artist Fellowship Exhibition, Socrates Sculpture Park, Queens, NY
Temporary Antumbra Zone, curated by Udora Hajimik, Janet Kurnatowski Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
Tensile Strength, ZieherSmith, New York, NY.

2010
Painting Comes Alive, curated by Erik den Breejen, ArtJail, Brooklyn, NY.
On Display, curated by Hrag Vartanian, Storefront, Brooklyn, NY.
Eternal Return, Nurture Art, Brooklyn, NY.

2009
Time Bandits II, Bushwick Open Spaces, Brooklyn, NY.

2008
Tensegrity, Klaus von Nichtssagend, Brooklyn, NY.
Eggcartonopolis, HQ, Brooklyn, NY.

2007
Infrequently Asked Questions, ISE Cultural Foundation, New York, NY.

2005
Greater Brooklyn, CRG Gallery, New York, NY.
In the Wake, Triple Candie, New York, NY.

2004
Ohio University Alumni Exhibition, Ohio University, Athens, OH.

2003
Unframed First Look, Lehmann Maupin Gallery, New York, NY Curated by Ross
Bleckner, Peter Halley, and Sue Williams.

2001
Cross Sections, Seigfred Gallery, Athens, OH.