Aesthetics of dis-order

Aesthetics of dis-order, is a solo presentation of works by the experimental and multidisciplinary artist Awilda Sterling-Duprey. The exhibition is on view from September 28 to November 19, 2024 at NXTHVN’s gallery. A painter, performance artist and dancer from Puerto Rico, Sterling-Duprey is well known for exploring themes of identity, gender, diaspora, language and migration, as well as challenging conventional notions of culture, national and gendered boundaries. Aesthetics of dis-order is the first exhibition to focus on Sterling-Duprey’s exploration of abstraction from the 1970s to present. In conjunction with the exhibition, a public performance featuring her “...blindfolded” work is set to premiere on Saturday, October 26 at 1 p.m. Included works range from paintings and drawings to newly recovered archival and ephemeral materials. Highlights in the exhibition include Sterling-Duprey’s 35mm (Kodak Ektachrome E100 Film) slides that present her study of abstraction in the natural and ubiquitous environments of San Juan, along with visual records of her earliest abstract studies created on cardboard. Sterling-Duprey’s exploration of abstraction has resulted in an intuitive and electric corporeal response; most notable in her “...blindfolded” performances. Sterling-Duprey’s accompanying performance will be in dialogue with local New Haven musicians providing improvisational jazz and bomba acoustics while she allows her body to feel and translate the music into rhythmic bodily movements articulated into bright pastel markings, lines, and textures onto black construction paper. NXTHVN, is a new national arts model that empowers artists and curators through education and access to a vibrant ecosystem. Supported by intergenerational mentorship, cross-sector collaboration and local engagement, NXTHVN accelerates the careers of the next generation and fosters retention of professional art talent while helping catalyze New Haven into a world-class, sustainable arts community. NXTHVN 169 Henry St, New Haven, CT 06511, United States