Emergency Arts Open Studios

(c) Vadis Turner, "Sex Swing" photograph courtesy of the artist

(c) Daphne Parks, "Peace" photograph courtesy of the artist

Creating a new history, the large warehouse building known as Emergency Arts on Eleventh Avenue in Chelsea was completely gutted and renovated using the original and donated materials as well fixtures designed by selected artists. The four-story space is a catacomb of artists’ studios and large event areas. The work created here since it’s inaugural opening several years ago has been exceptional. In this years open studios I found several artists of particular interest.

Annysa Ng’s work, which I’ve followed since our first meeting, was impressive. Poetic, meticulous and philosophic pieces ranging from paintings and sculptures to installation are absolutely wonderful. In particular is her installation piece, “Who is the dreamer” a plain wooden chair slightly off kilter, one leg precariously perched on a crackle glass ball. Yellow butterflies gather resting along one side of the chair while strands of braided and loose dark hair flow from the ceiling cascading over suspended clear bars. Fantastic to see in person.

Daphne Park’s paintings on paper are interesting images of figures in transformation or a metamorphosis of sorts twisting new tales to be told. They are gentle expressions at first glance with a subtle uneasiness lingering in your thoughts. Her work “Peace” depicts an almost Allison in Wonderland” girl fluttering within a rich reddish brown space. An animal skull mask covering half her face, a long pipe in her mouth wafting smoke into a billow of form reminiscent of the Cheshire cat. Standing on two pairs of doe like legs a shorter pair between the second and a second pair of shoulders above the first, brought to mind two selves the conscious and unconscious in process of resolution.

Vadis Turner’s work twists basic domestic materials into another realm. Her work “Peek-a-Boo” is a sexy lingerie set made from wax paper in which she uses pins and tooth pics to gingerly create the lace pattern. Precious little bows tie the peek-a-boo areas around the nipple and crotch area of the undergarments. “Sex Swing” is made from quilting patterns from childhood into a pillow like swing suspended from the ceiling, complete with a little heart pillow. Though the materials or process of the works are very “innocently feminine” by traditional standards, Turner is not only questioning but breaking these ideas with an added sense of humor.

Harima Midori’s sculptures constructed from a collage of various black and white images on paper were quite stunning. In particular was a piece with several life size coyote type animals arranged in a semi circle. One looking directly up at you is very menacing. You’ve stepped where your presence is in question like an intrusive visitor being sized up for acceptance or denial. Not to miss is the eerie large carousel piece. There’s a separate gallery entrance to this.

You don’t need an emergency to pay a visit to this home of inventive new work.