Exhibition view of Ivy Haldeman: Twice, Courtesy of the Artist and Downs & Ross, NY
The sensible, sweetly ironic, and brilliant scenes of anthropomorphous hot dogs, and hollowed suits, in Ivy Haldeman: Twice, will speak to the viewer across a myriad of depths. Across the gallery space, the viewer experiences sensation in a world full of dichotomies and contradictions. Through her craft, the artist is able to portray the most intimate human moments of intimacy, without depicting a single one. The New York based artist is breaking through the roof of the Contemporary art market, as collectors are falling in love with these incomparable representations of intimacy. Through June 19, Downs & Ross will be debuting the fabulous body of work that will captivate your mind.
Two Suits, Step Forward, Point, Cuff Behind Back (Smalt, Blue), 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 83 1/2 × 57 1/2 inches / 212 × 146 cm, Courtesy of the Artist and Downs & Ross, NY
Off the bat, Haldeman tackles the contradictions and irony in our human condition through the unusual format of the show’s press release. The complex narrative told in the short story, opens the door through an unexpected perspective. As the viewer walks through the art space and is exposed to the meticulously light-spirited large scale paintings, there is an undeniable message of humanity and solidarity. On the one hand, through the pairs of hollowed out, colorful suit,exhibited in a portrait-like form. These suits interact with each other in such a comfortable way, that the viewer almost forgets that the bodies are missing. On the other, we encounter playful, sensual, light hearted hot dogs that have a caricaturesque essence to them. The smooth lines that make up these compositions allude to countless incredibly fresh windows of interpretation.
Two Suits, Step Forward, Point, Cuff Behind Back (Smalt, Blue), 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 83 1/2 × 57 1/2 inches / 212 × 146 cm, Courtesy of the Artist and Downs & Ross, NY
Ivy Haldeman is a natural born artist, who is well educated in the art world. Through her creative process, the artist interacts conscientiously with the artwork and its final product. “Titanium dioxide is a storied pigment,” she explains. “They put it in candy to make it opaque; they put it in sunscreen to block or reflect the sun.” Over the titanium comes transparent color upon transparent color. The light reflects off the titanium, giving the work a delicious brightness. “I want the work to feel open, like a window or a screen,” she says1. And let’s not forget to mention the complex and ironically hilarious fact that these fabulous faces and eyelashes, are in fact hot dogs in buns. The mysterious stuffed Haldeman’s work is simply perfect to lighten anyone’s mood. And to incorporate an added layer of voyeuristic commentary, the subtle hole in the wall titled Aperture, Full Figure, Back Forward, Shins Cross, 2021; this exhibition has it all.
Two Suits, Face to Face, Cuff Grasped (Smalt, Red), 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 67 × 60 inches / 170 × 152 cm, Courtesy of the Artist and Downs & Ross, NY
My absolute favorite of all these is the pair Twice Colossus, Index to Index, Thumb to Thumb, Glance Back (Diamond), 2021, and Twice Colossus, Index Finger to Opposite Thumb, Eye Framed, Wrist Bent (Rectangle), 2021that hang side by side (featured image). The playful, organic, tactile interaction of the two bodies, become almost abstract in these two close-up scenes. As a viewer, I get a sense of friendship and complete comfort I want hanging in my apartment. Continue scrolling down to view the full breadth of Haldeman’s Paintings.
Ivy Haldeman, Twice Colossus, Index to Index, Thumb to Thumb, Glance Back (Diamond), 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 83 1/2 × 57 1/2 inches / 212 × 146 cm, Courtesy of the Artist and Downs & Ross, NY
Twice Colossus, Index Finger to Opposite Thumb, Eye Framed, Wrist Bent (Rectangle), 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 83 1/2 × 57 1/2 inches / 212 × 146 cm, Courtesy of the Artist and Downs & Ross, NY
Twice Colossus, Head Leans Left, Pinky Up, Head Leans Right (Gaze), 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 83 1/2 × 57 1/2 inches / 212 × 146 cm, Courtesy of the Artist and Downs & Ross, NY
Exhibition view of Ivy Haldeman: Twice, Courtesy of the Artist and Downs & Ross, NY
