Art Emerge, a New Online Platform for Artists, Collectors, and Curators
Programming to focus on presenting exceptionally talented artists who have thus far been under-appreciated in the mainstream art world
Whether communicating on special booth exhibitions at art fairs such as Art Basel Switzerland and Miami or at Tefaf Maastricht, or on a high level art exchange between a European and U.S. Museum, or about innovation in conserving damaged works of art, I found I have been immersed over years in the art of many fascinating artists - some considered masters of their craft.
I have worked to amplify artists legacies, others I have supported in their marketing communications activities, and that other category of living artists whom I have come to personally admire, some with whom I have formed friendships through our work together. I find the practice of artists creating something out of nothing - with their innate desire to constantly make art mostly for personal satisfaction, truly fascinating and mind boggling,
So it is with great pleasure I share this news about the debut of an online platform for artists, collectors and curators, called Art Emerge. Co-founded by consummate abstract painter LA-based artist Todd Williamson whom I have had the pleasure to assist for his exhibition Processional at the 2019 Venice Biennale, or for California Abstracts at Museum Art and Cars in Singen Germany and at the Georges Berges Gallery in New York City (a planned in-person exhibition stunted by the pandemic). All told Williamson has participated in at least 125 exhibitions globally, which I believe makes him uniquely qualified for this venture.
Art Emerge presents a unique vision for the future of exhibitions - as renowned curators, artists, and collectors have come together to introduce exciting virtual exhibitions to a global audience.
The platform strives to bring attention and solutions to the widening opportunity gap artists continue to face, spurred by lack of gallery representation, art fair cancellations, shuttered physical galleries and dwindling exhibition opportunities - which began ahead of the pandemic, but has been exacerbated by it.
ArtEmerge’s programming will focus on presenting exceptionally talented artists who have thus far been under-appreciated in the mainstream art world. The online gallery will serve as an alternative conduit to choose, exhibit, and make available for sale, a robust body of works by artists who hold exceptional, yet unrecognized portfolios of collectible art. In a departure from traditional galleries, artists presented will be encouraged by Art Emerge to communicate with collectors directly, as they seek to learn and understand their creative practice.
The platform debuted with exhibition - Unbroken: Cross Currents and Contemporary Time. Curated by Jennifer Chi, Ph.D, the exhibition illustrates how time has a multiplicity of meanings through the diverse works selected for the show.
The two artists in the inaugural exhibition are Houston artist Justin Garcia, 2019 Winner Medici Award who has created a powerful series, particularly concerned with crystalizing society’s perception of time. His current work focuses on how change occurs over time as shown through his visuals emulating crumbling walls. These will be juxtaposed with the sensorial, yet elusive color field paintings by Pollock-Krasner Foundation Awardee, Todd Williamson, co-founder of ArtEmerge. Williamson’s works immediately engage the viewer with rich and unusually surprising use of colors. They often pull you into another world that suspends our notion of time through an explosive control of the canvas.
The artworks are intended to serve as metaphors to examine, define and make sense of our place during this salient moment in world history.
Visit the exhibition here and click on artworks in the gallery section for more information on availability and pricing.
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