Sylvia Snowden's M Street paintings at White Cube Paris reveal distance between artist and subjects

From October 15 to November 16, Sylvia Snowden's exhibition at White Cube Paris showcases ten pieces from her M Street series (1978-1997). These works, created after her relocation to the Shaw neighborhood in Washington, DC, capture her observations of the local residents without direct engagement. Titles such as 'Sandra' and 'Patricia Ann' function as identifiers rather than true portraits. Snowden's approach to 'structural abstract expressionism' prioritizes the paint itself over the depicted subjects. Early creations like Paula Black (1978) and Clarene Martin (1978-82) utilize warm hues, while later works present a more vivid color scheme with recurring motifs. The most recent piece, Theresa Black (1997), depicts a faceless giant, prompting reflections on the series as a tribute to adversity.