Spotlight Editorial
Sidney Mullis in Pittsburgh: Sculptural Forests & Resurrecting the Inner Child
Pittsburgh-based writer Lexi Bishop met with sculptor Sidney Mullis on a characteristically gray day in southwestern Pennsylvania. From Mullis’ studio in the basement of a former Catholic church surrounded by tactile, dreamy sculptures, Bishop asked Mullis about her nomadic childhood, the influence of Pittsburgh on her work, and where she sees her work headed.
An Interview with Will Hutnick
Will Hutnick is an artist based in Sharon, CT. Following a recent solo show at Geary Contemporary in Millerton, NY, Will spoke with writer Taliesin Thomas about examining his work through a queer lens, how early digital aesthetics influence his paintings, and the power of a thank you note.
“A Mutually Understood Conversation”: A Daughter on Finding Inspiration in her Mother’s Fearless Work
In this thoughtful essay, writer Annie Lyall Slaughter explores a recent exhibition by her mother, the artist Frankie Slaughter. Through the lens of the exhibition, Annie reflects on her mother's artistic practice and its impact on her own life and journey with art.
A Car is a Moving Canvas: A Conversation Between Zoe Alameda and Kati Kirsch
Kati Kirsch and Zoe Alameda, featured artists on Testudo, discuss the overlap in their practices, working with found objects, and the projects they are excited about this year. From Kati Kirsch’s studio in New York to Zoe Alameda’s in Los Angeles, both artists talk about collecting and hoarding images for inspiration, and how lifestyle differences have directly influenced their work.
Notes from the Emergency Room: Disaster and the Avant-Garde in the Work of Florian Meisenberg
In this essay, artist and writer Elliott Mickleburgh considers the possibility for the emergence of new art and the avant garde. In considering these themes, Mickleburgh takes a closer look at works from two recent exhibitions by New York-based artist Florian Meisenberg.
Invisible Souls of Beau Dick’s Masks at Andrew Kreps Gallery
In the exhibition Walas Gwa’yam/Big, Great Whale on view through May 11th at Andrew Kreps gallery in Tribeca, Beau Dick (1955-2017) displays his mastery of carved ceremonial masks from his Kwakwaka’wakw culture on the Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada. Gleaming with singular artistic presence, masks come to life to protect and guide us.
Four Highlights from the 81st Whitney Biennial
The Whitney Biennial is one of the country’s most closely watched exhibitions. Each iteration aspires to take the temperature of contemporary practice: anointing new stars, uncovering overlooked talents, and more often than not, stirring up some controversy or another. This year’s edition, titled “Even Better Than the Real Thing,” opened to the public on March 20. Here are four standout presentations from this year’s biennial – the works that made me crouch down, lean in, and stand back.