Opening Reception: Friday, July 1st, 2022, 5:00-8:00pm
Markel Fine Arts | 2418 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
“Art is a Teacher. It is not an object”—Larry Bell
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Bridgehampton, July 1st, 2022 | Kathryn Markel Fine Arts and HLK Art Group are pleased to present RECLAMATION, a group exhibition featuring fourteen Contemporary artists from Ukraine and the east end. Curated by Heidi Lee Komaromi, the show was a result of thinking about the harsh realities of the Ukrainian war, and the poignant idea of reclamation–reclaiming something lost, stolen, or forgotten, and returning it to a former or better state. It is evocative of not just notions of loss but also offers a semblance of hope in the current historical context.
“We are excited to present this exhibition which we feel is an appropriate response to the dire situation in Ukraine. It is an insightful and heartfelt curation,” states Kathyrn Markel. “The effects of the war are far-reaching and RECLAMATION offers a sensitive and poignant perspective.”
Featured artists include: Evan Brownstein, Philippe Cheng, Yuliana Yaman, Pipi Deer, Jeremy Dennis, Caroline Gerry, Chelsea Hyrnick Browne, Elena Lyakir, Paulina Olowska, Eric Slayton, Caroline Snow, Kevin Teare, Suzannah Wainhouse, and Mark Wilson.
The works of art on view offer a unique perspective around notions of loss, identity, place, hope. “Through the lens of reclamation, certain revelations or truths about our society and culture emerge through the works, whether it refers to freedom, ancestral homelands, humanity, mother nature or otherwise, said Heidi Lee Komaromi. “It is fascinating to me that so many artists’ works touch upon this concept in one way or another. The response was overwhelming,” said continued.
Outdoors in the hydrangea garden will be installed a large-scale sculpture by Evan Brownstein with which visitors are welcome to interact.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Direct Relief to provide medical aid to Ukraine. The opening is generously sponsored by Kidd Squid, a Sag Harbor-based artisanal brewing company.
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On view at Kathryn Markel Fine Arts:
2418 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
Thursday – Monday 11am – 5pm
Opening Reception: Friday, July 1st, 5-8pm. On view until July 25th.
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About The Curator
Art advisor and curator, Heidi Lee Komaromi, AAA has 19 years of professional experience specializing in Post-War and Contemporary art. After working at VIART, the first corporate art advisory, she founded HLK Art Group in 2001 managing and curating numerous art collections acquiring works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Agnes Martin, and George Condo. She has served as Director at Artnet and was awarded a curatorial grant from Affirmation Arts for Street Smart featuring artists such as Keith Haring and KAWS. Heidi currently lives in Sag Harbor with her husband and son.
About Kathryn Markel Fine Arts
Established in 1975 with the belief that significant contemporary art can be beautiful as well as visually and intellectually rigorous, Kathryn Markel Fine Art is committed to the experience of discovery and collecting at the highest level. Committed to serving a deep network of collectors and institutions, the gallery showcases a diverse array of primary market artists, unified by excellence in their craft, compelling intellectual framework, and a love of the art-making process.
About Direct Relief Ukraine
Direct Relief is working directly with Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and other on-the-ground partners to provide urgently needed medical aid, including emergency response packs intended for first responders, oxygen concentrators, critical care medicines, and more. Direct Relief has firmly established relationships with Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and other organizations responding in the region. Medical aid is intended for people still in Ukraine and those who have fled to neighboring countries. At the request of the Ministry of Health, Direct Relief has provided multiple shipments of medical aid since the war broke out, including more than 650 tons of medical assistance, including trauma kits, cancer drugs, insulin, antidotes used in chemical attacks and more.
War in Ukraine has killed thousands and injured untold more, while millions of Ukrainians have been displaced. Direct Relief is a recognized international partner of Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and supports several groups in Ukraine and regionally with requested medical aid—including trauma kits, cancer drugs, insulin, antidotes used in chemical attacks, and more. Direct Relief has provided more than $14.7 million in financial assistance, including $10 million in direct cash aid to help Ukrainian refugees in Poland obtain needed medications at no cost.
