Barbara Takenaga's 'Parallax' Exhibition at DC Moore Gallery Explores Cosmic and Graphic Themes

Barbara Takenaga is presenting her exhibition 'Parallax' at DC Moore Gallery in New York City, running through May 2, 2026. This show builds upon her previous 2024 exhibition titled 'Whatsis' and represents a continuation of artistic exploration spanning approximately two decades. The display features acrylic paintings on canvas and panel, with dimensions varying from small rectangles under ten inches to large multi-panel works exceeding 200 inches in width. Notable pieces include 'Rayo X' (2026), 'Lowlands' (2026), 'Blue Five' (2022/2026), 'Jive' (2025), 'Do-Si-Do 1' (2025), and 'STL Trip' (2025). Takenaga employs techniques involving pouring and manual application, creating a balance between chance, instinct, and deliberate planning. The artworks fall into two primary groups: one with auroral fields exploring light in darkness and spatial expansion, and another with hard-edge shapes in vibrant colors. Themes draw from cosmic phenomena such as stars, meteor showers, and galactic interactions, while also referencing cultural elements like Cubism, circus imagery, and space race nostalgia. The exhibition includes a backroom with numerous small-scale works. Critically, while the show is described as engaging and magical with elemental energy, some suggest its extensive scope might benefit from reduction to enhance focus. The artist's work reflects generational influences from mid-20th century space exploration, blending lived experience with painterly practice.