Shirley Fiterman Art Center Presents Group Exhibition, By a Thread and Solo Project ¿Quién eres tu?

The Shirley Fiterman Art Center (SFAC) at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) is now presenting two exhibitions.

¿Quién eres tu? is a site-specific installation designed for the Park Place Window Project that can be viewed in the SFAC’s Park Place windows between Greenwich Street and West Broadway. It will be on display through August 19 and features the work of BMCC Professor of Art Jessica Ramirez.

By a Thread, a group show presented in the spacious indoor galleries of the SFAC, will be on display through August 19 and features the work of Barrow Parke, George Bolster, Zoë Buckman, Manuela Gonzalez, Tamika Rivera, Latrelle Rostant, Kate Shepherd and Rachel Mica Weiss.

Cut paper traditions are redirected in unique ways in ¿Quién eres tu?

“In ¿Quién eres tu?, Professor Ramirez has created an installation that, in many ways, is an homage to her past,” says SFAC Director Lisa Panzera. “Papel picado, or cut paper, is frequently used in Mexican culture and celebrations. Ramirez redirects its associations and functions to address her own questions about classifications and labels that frequently lead to stereotypical definitions of who we are.”

Appropriating the decorative cut-outs that form papel picado, Ramirez uses photographs of herself and her family into which she cuts symbols and icons in repetitive patterns, Panzera explains. “The decorative designs and joyous colors of the portraits and bright paper flags suggest festive family gatherings and ask of the viewer, ‘Who are you?’”

Professor Ramirez, a Latin-American, multidisciplinary artist born in Houston, Texas, joined the art faculty at BMCC in 2013. She holds an MFA from the University of Texas at San Antonio and has presented her work widely, including solo exhibitions at Schreiner University, Kerville, Texas, as well as galleries in San Antonio such as Lullwood Group, Gallery 23, Alameda Theater Gallery and Public Arts San Antonio. She has participated in numerous group shows, including those at Plaxall Gallery, NYC and Salve Regina University, Newport, RI.

Textiles are sewn and woven to engage issues of gender, technology and more in By a Thread

By a Thread focuses on contemporary artists working in unique ways with thread, fiber and textiles, as well as sewing and weaving techniques.

“Each artist has developed a compelling approach, both conceptually and materially, resulting in a group of striking works that expand notions of textile-based creations, while engaging with wide-ranging issues, including aspects of gender and identity, science fiction and technology, process and formal aesthetic relationships,” says Panzera.

In-person gallery visits are welcome, by appointment

The Shirley Fiterman Art Center is at 81 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10007.

Summer gallery hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12 to 5 p.m., and by appointment.

To make an appointment please contact the gallery at shirleyfitermanartcenter@bmcc.cuny.edu or (212) 776-5630.

 

Please note that all visitors to the Shirley Fiterman Art Center MUST provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination, using either Excelsior Pass or their CDC card.