Marc Straus Gallery's 2015 Gray-Themed Group Show Featured 30 Artists Exploring Monochromatic Complexity
From June 21 to July 31, 2015, the Marc Straus Gallery in New York presented a group show titled "Gray Would Be the Color, If I Had a Heart," showcasing nearly 30 artists’ grayscale works across three distinct galleries. The exhibition delved into the nuances of gray through diverse artistic styles. Featured pieces included VALIE EXPORT's photocollage diptych, Rona Pondick's Fox (1998–99), and Jeffrey Gibson's totemic punching bag. On the upper level, visitors could view Diana Shpungin's A Failure of Memory (2015) and Grayson Cox's Vent (2015). Jasper Johns' etching Flashlight (1967–69) served as an inspiration for gray artists like Brice Marden. Dove Bradshaw's Contingency (Snow Tracks) (2013) employed chance-driven techniques. The exhibition aimed to showcase works that conveyed a sense of hope amidst some somber visuals. The gallery is situated at 299 Grand Street, New York.
Key facts
- Exhibition ran June 21 to July 31, 2015
- Featured nearly 30 artists
- Located at Marc Straus Gallery, 299 Grand Street, New York
- Works primarily in grayscale but not strictly monochromatic
- Included VALIE EXPORT, Rona Pondick, Jasper Johns, and Dove Bradshaw
- Show spanned three galleries across two floors
- Press release described works as "Not completely hopeless. Not utterly bleak. Not fully shrouded in darkness"
- Dove Bradshaw used chance-based methods influenced by Robert Rauschenberg, Merce Cunningham, and John Cage
Entities
Artists
- VALIE EXPORT
- Kristjan Gudmundsson
- Rona Pondick
- Jeffrey Gibson
- Joyce Pensato
- Matt Ducklo
- Diana Shpungin
- Grayson Cox
- Zlatan Vehabovic
- Sam Trioli
- Jasper Johns
- Brice Marden
- Jessica Dickinson
- Geoff Hippenstiel
- Jim Lee
- Dove Bradshaw
- Robert Rauschenberg
- Merce Cunningham
- John Cage
Institutions
- Marc Straus Gallery
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Memphis