First Light: Rituals of Glass and Neon
The Contemporary Jewish Museum San Francisco, Curated by She Bends
Dec 7, 2023–Apr 28, 2024
First Light: Rituals of Glass and Neon Art explores mastery in craft as a devotional pursuit, presenting artworks that connects viewers to spirituality, wonder, and universal questions of human existence. The exhibiting artists utilize both science and art as equally noble methods to explore the mysteries of the universe and its reflection in their consciousness. The exhibition features artworks in neon, glass, and plasma, large-scale sculptures, and installations. First Light: Rituals of Glass and Neon Art is an exhibition by She Bends, an organization dedicated to building a more equitable future for neon art through public education, curatorial projects, and artist programs that foster diversity and sustainability.
My installation included six glass and salt based works, and two photographic sculptures with neon (wall-mounted). The pink glow is from Meryl Pataky’s adjacent wall work, lending a conversation amongst the light-based works.
The exhibition features the work of Angelina Almukhametova, Jessica Krichelle, Kacie Lees, Stephanie Sara Lifshutz, Mollie McKinley, Victoria Ahmadizadeh Melendez, Kamila Mróz, Meryl Pataky, and Lily Reeves.
Photos by row, from top (left to right):
Mollie McKinley, Ekaterina Izmestieva
Ekaterina Izmestieva, Heinrik Kam
Ekaterina Izmestieva (both)
Monica Smerigiu, Ekaterina Izmestieva
Ekaterina Izmestieva (both)