The Poetics of Dimensions illuminates artists who transform everyday objects—durags, shoelaces, felt, leather, single-use plastic—into powerful artistic expressions. Grounded in exploration and experimentation, these works alchemize “non-art” materials into poetic landscapes. Like poetry, visual art has the capacity to dive beneath the surface and reveal new perspectives on invisible forces around us. This exhibition finds the beauty in the unnoticed and the extraordinary in the mundane.
Each work on view is an homage to overlooked histories—amplifying voices, perspectives, and materials long consigned to the periphery. Artists pull from their cultural heritage, personal narratives, and social realities to forge a unique aesthetic language that resonates across boundaries. The Poetics of Dimensions encourages viewers to explore the dynamic relationship between form, function, and meaning and reconsider materials that shape our world.
Artists: Anthony Akinbola, Miguel Arzabe, Sonia Gomes, Melissa Joseph, Hugo McCloud, Rodney McMillian, Nengi Omuku, Esteban Ramón Pérez, Shinique Smith, Moffat Takadiwa, and Nari Ward
Initially conceived for a presentation at Art Basel Miami Beach 2023 presented by UBS and ARTNOIR with curatorial assistance from Kiara Cristina Ventura, The Poetics of Dimensions showcased the talents of Anthony Akinbola, Sonia Gomes, Melissa Joseph, Julianknxx, and Nari Ward. Building upon this foundation, Ossei-Mensah is curating the second iteration of the project for ICA SF, enriching it with the diverse perspectives of Hugo McCloud, Nengi Omuku, Shinique Smith, Moffat Takadiwa, Rodney McMillian, Esteban Ramón Pérez, and Miguel Arzabe, who will join the ensemble artists.
October 25, 2024
