New exhibition at Pratt’s Manhattan gallery, Live in imagination, Centered on the work of seven Pratt Institute MFA photography alumni, the exhibition explores what it means to imagine, dream, and create in the 21st century, a time of accelerating social and technological change. The exhibition opens Friday, June 28, with a reception on Thursday, June 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Organized by artist, curator, and Pratt Visiting Associate Professor Sara VanDerBeek, the exhibition brings together in dialogue the work of seven Pratt alumni from the classes of 2021-2023, and features solo works by six graduates from the class of 2024. Existential fundamentals such as memory, landscape, home, family, and the body are themes explored and explored by many of the participating artists, while others explore shifts in the realm of photographic representation.
“Living in imagination “The exhibition provides a unique perspective on the work of recent Pratt Institute alumni and stimulates discussion about the role of art as a fundamental form of communication and its changing place in advanced societies,” said curator Sara VanDerBeek. “In an age dominated by technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, the exhibition will be an opportunity to reflect on the impact of change on individuals and collectives.”
“At Pratt, we continually encourage students to reflect not only on their own communities, but on society and culture as a whole,” said Sharon Ebbner, chair of the Pratt Institute’s photography department.Living in imagination is an exploration of these broader themes and a necessary reminder of why art, dreams, and connections must persist despite change.”
Artists featured in the exhibition work with photographic mediums, including digital video, wood vinyl printing, laser printing, and more to represent a range of tools that catalyze creativity and reflect a wide range of use or avoidance of technology.
The roster of artists included in the Pratt Manhattan Gallery exhibition includes Stephanie Espinoza, Rachel Handlin, Katharina Kiefert, Ethan Li, Megan Mack and Abby Waters, Kristina Naso, Chloe Scout Nix, Erin O’Flynn, Jan Rattia, Kunwar Prithvi Singh Rathore, Lena Smart, Baillie Vensel and Jingge Zhang.
Living in imagination Open June 28 – August 31 at 144 West 14th Street, New York City. Admission to the Pratt Manhattan Gallery is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit pratt.edu.
