Bitter Candy
Curated by Shiva Aliabadi

Gallery II, Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT
July 26th - August 20th, 2017

Soft opening: Wednesday, August 2nd, 7p to 9p
Official Opening Reception: Saturday, August 12th, 7p to 9p

Artists:
Ayoung Yu
Brittany M. Powell
Yoshie Sakai
Steven Wolkoff
Tessie Salcido Whitmore
Casey Kauffmann
Natalie Baxter
Zac Roach
Maria Fernanda Nuñez
Shiva Aliabadi
uncannysfvalley

The exhibition and its title, Bitter Candy, deal with work that presents a very bright, dynamic surface impression-- that seemingly appears fun or colorful and playful-- but is really imbued with deeper commentary on our society, psychology, relationships, and such. Each artist in this show comes from a unique perspective that addresses this complexity of the playful revealing deeper, heavier realities, ideas, or notions. As the title reveals, while candy is by definition and production sweet, a bitter candy surprises-- with an unexpected reality, pushing the taster out of her/his expectations.