EXHIBITIONS

The Long Island Biennial, now in its ninth iteration, deepens connections between artists across Nassau and Suffolk counties and their communities. The exhibition uses the Declaration of Independence (1776) and George Grosz’s masterpiece of political art, Eclipse of the Sun (1926), as touchstones for thinking about power, national ideals, and public life. The Declaration of Independence set forth aspirational principles of liberty and equality, although its promises remain incomplete. A century and a half later, George Grosz’s searing painting exposed the corruption he saw at the heart of modern society. From an open call that attracted nearly six hundred submissions, the guest jurors selected 73 works by 69 artists that respond to these cultural and political legacies. Just Powers brings together the work of Long Island artists with diverse perspectives to reveal how democratic ideals are interpreted, challenged, and reimagined today.

Just Powers was juried by Tripoli Patterson, founder and owner, Tripoli Gallery; photographer Andreas Rentsch, Associate Professor of Photography and Chair of the Art Department, Lycoming College; and Dr. Lauren Rosati, Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was curated by Dr. Meredith A. Brown, Consulting Curator of Contemporary Art, The Heckscher Museum of Art.