Thierry Goldberg Gallery is pleased to present They and Night, the second solo exhibition of Francisco G. Pinzón Samper. The exhibition opens on May 2, with a reception from 6-8pm and will run through June 1, 2024.
They and Night endeavors to answer questions surrounding landscape, intimacy, and public space, breaking down the traditional boundaries between the canon of art history and contemporary queer iconography. Grappling with the profound impact of perception on internal identity, Pinzón Samper deftly collages together symbols, patterns, and icons of the cultural canon, exploring a life that transcends sexuality and gender binaries.
With a palette of oil pastels and colored pencils, Pinzón Samper skillfully renders vivid portraits of queer existence, intertwining them with evocative spaces and patterns reminiscent of art movements throughout history. Each allusion, whether drawn from the intricate designs of Edo-period Japan or Chagall's avant-garde modernism, enriches the exhibition's discourse on the complex interplay between the inner and outer worlds of LGBTQ+ individuals. Simultaneously, Pinzón Samper situates their artworks within the lineage of esteemed artistic traditions while establishing a new queer aesthetic. Through their adept fusion of references and symbolism, viewers are invited to delve into the multifaceted connections between identity, space, and culture encapsulated within each captivating image.
In Hedwig and the Glass House (2024,) Pinzón Samper deftly utilizes spatial representation as a metaphorical tool. Here, a portrait of the eponymous character from the cult film Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001) intersects with the floorplan of Philip Johnson's iconic Glass House. Flanking the subject's face are flags from around the world, symbolizing a transcendent journey across borders and identities. Hedwig, a character fluidly navigating beyond the confines of gender and nationality, serves as a focal point for Pinzón Samper's exploration of external and internal boundaries. The juxtaposition of Hedwig's figure with the domestic layout of the Glass House prompts viewers to reflect on the intricate nuances of identity that surpass mere external appearance. Through this masterful piece, Pinzón Samper adeptly introduces the overarching themes of the exhibition, inviting contemplation on the complexities of human existence within the framework of space and symbolism.
Another artwork that deeply delves into these thematic currents is Self Portrait in Bed (2024.) As the title implies, Pinzón Samper, having recently made the move from Paris to New York City, now finds solace in their Harlem apartment, reclining in bed. At the foot of the bed lies a reinterpretation of Alice Neel's iconic 1976 painting, 107th and Broadway, effectively deploying another revered artist's work to navigate discussions of identity within the realms of interior and exterior. Nestled beside Pinzón Samper's head on the pillow rests a fish, seemingly unperturbed by its unconventional surroundings. The surreal blend of colors and the dreamlike composition transport the viewer into Pinzón Samper's grounded yet fantastical inner world, while still retaining traces of the physical space they inhabit and paying homage to the artistic predecessors who have trodden similar paths.
Pinzón Samper's work transcends mere representation, delving into the profound impact of perception on internal identity. Through adept collages of symbols, patterns, and cultural icons, they explore a life that surpasses social boundaries and explore a life beyond them. They and Night stands as a testament to Pinzón Samper's ability to evoke a sense of universality and individuality within the same artistic space, inviting viewers to contemplate the intricate layers of human experience and the fluidity of identity.
Francisco G. Pinzón Samper (b. 1997, Bogota, Colombia) lives and works between Paris and New York. They are currently studying at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Previous solo exhibitions include L'Avancée, at Foundation Pernod Ricard, Paris, France; The Flying Patters of DJ Soul, at Thierry Goldberg Gallery; and Sweet Honesty, at galerie l'inlassable, Paris, France. Pinzón Samper was also included in group exhibition at Exo Exo, Paris France; Galerie John Ferrére, Paris, France; 1969 Gallery, New York, NY; Galerie Cécile Loiret, Vannes, France; Late Works, London, UK; and Delphian Gallery, London, UK.