By Janet Ekstract, NEW YORK- The Bronx Museum’s Seventh AIM Biennial opened on January 23, showcasing 28 rising local artists who represent a prestigious one-year, professional development fellowship for New York City-based artists. The show whose theme is “Forms of Connection,” features an eclectic range of work from painting, textile and tapestry to video, installation and sculpture – all done by working artists not represented by galleries. The opening celebration saw at least two-hundred visitors, there was a DJ on the top floor with artworks displayed over the two main levels. Both the Gothamist and Observer are calling it a must-see art show.
The AIM fellowship is an opportunity for rising, New York artists to take risks with their work, become more inspired and learn new techniques that can expand their artistic repertoire. Some examples of this can be seen in the Biennial where artwork is created from realia like a lace-covered vintage tablecloth and family portraits that can be viewed in the centerpiece “Country to City/Town to City” by Delvin Lugo who is a graduate of the 2024 AIM fellowship program. Lugo, who is from the Dominican Republic explained that his goal was to show connection through family themes and that he loves using nostalgic materials to portray this. Another striking piece of art is Bryan Fernandez’s “Beso a la Camara” (“Kiss to the Camera”) that
he created in 2024, that he said offers commentary on public surveillance in the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. His work hangs near the museum entrance, depicting an MTA bus traveling on a city street with people standing on the side. What is unique about the work is that four small cameras are plugged into it – livestreaming to a small screen at the front desk. Fernandez said the work is mimicking “what’s going on out in the streets” with police and security surveillance part of daily life. These are just two of the many artists showing their work at the Seventh AIM Biennial on through June 29, admission is free.
