UNCHAINED: MONICA BONVICINI’S ARTISTIC REBELLION
Monica Bonvicini explores the intersection of architecture, sexuality, gender, and power through her large-scale, provocative installations. Her work addresses hidden forces, modern feminism and politics. Beyond the clever symbolism, we found an equilibrium of aesthetics, sculptural precision, and out-of this-world curation.
For her first solo exhibition, Put All Heaven in a Rage, at Tanya Bonakdar’s gallery, the Chelsea space was transformed into a hard-core yet inviting playground, encouraging interaction with the installation. We didn’t hesitate to immerse ourselves as active viewers.
Our first encounter began with the central and massive installation ‘Buy Me a Mirror’, alongside the remarkable ‘Chainswing Rings & Stripes’, where you can sit or lie down, allowing playful meditation and a fresher way to take in the work. This interaction is further emphasized in works like ‘Gorgeous’, which uses reflective surfaces to literally ‘stick their tongues out’, exploring the themes of voyeurism, narcissism and ego, particularly through social media and technology.
The exhibition is packed with spectacular works and eye-catching objects: chainsaws dipped in black rubber, axes, woven leather belts, dangling handcuffs, chains transformed into swings and dual mirrors - all exploring the modern motifs of identity politics, intersectionality, pop culture and progressivism. Made from contrasting materials such as steel, glass and leather, these objects symbolize liberation from the oppressive male gaze and sexual stereotypes.
Bonvicini’s works are independent, thoughtful, and bold. Her exploration of gender narratives and around girl power and glory is depicted in a series of new works in the upstairs galleries. These range from black-and-white drawings featuring extracted and dissected quotes from literature, to a recurring chain motif overlaid with pink text on mirrors. Bonvicini advocates for a more egalitarian society, sharing her critique and concerns about political division as well as individual and collective perspectives.
We loved this exhibit! It made us think about our role in modernism, female voices and is the perfect metaphor for our times.
Check it out!
Monica Bonvicini
‘Put All Heaven in a Rage’
September 4 - October 12, 2024
Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York
521 West 21st Street
New York, NY 10011
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 6pm
