Novado Gallery presents “Requisite Acts”

A Space Without Time by Kerr Grace

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) — Novado Gallery is pleased to partner with Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts in presenting their class of 2024 MFA exhibition.  This tour de force exhibition, entitled “Requisite Acts,” presents works by 32 national and international graduate students in their final year of study. It will be on display for one week only from Friday, April 26 to Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Works in this exhibition include film, art video, photography, painting, ceramics, performance, sculpture and installation.  

Curatorial Statement: “Requisite Acts,” serves as the final student exhibition of Syracuse University’s Master Of Fine Art programs, featuring works by thirty-two students, including graduate degree programs in Film, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Ceramics and Interdisciplinary Practice. This show, held at Novado Gallery, is the culmination of three years of intensive study by these national and international graduate students.

Coal by Jessie McClanahan

Driven by the creator life-force of their artistic practice, these students demonstrate intelligence and sensitivity through their chosen art form to elicit awe, share deeply personal experiences, consider beauty, confront injustice, question value systems, and engage with humor and curiosity. Through the authenticity of the individual voice, the works in this exhibition transcend artificial constructs, reminding us that we have much in common with each other, and shared or similar experiences through the human condition.

While the creation and experience of art are processes that go beyond rational thought, they invite us into an inexplicable but meaningful dialogue through visual language and metaphor. This exhibition is vast, it contains moments of peace and also jarring contrasts, including works with varying degrees of clarity and ambiguity. The power of art lies in its ability to reflect the complexities of the human experience in ways that words often cannot.

It is a requisite act as gallery director, to invite visitors to slow down and approach exhibitions with a sense of receptivity and wonder. This unintentional act of resistance is crucial in a world where the narrative of importance is dictated, stifling individual voices that dare to challenge or question. How many times have we slowed down, focused on being more present and rediscovered something that resonated in an unexpected way? Creativity is unpredictable by nature. It helps to solve problems, and a show such as Requisite Acts, is case in point via individuals solving problems through creativity that brings about more ideas.

In an open-conclusion, as they venture back into the world after graduation, these students will persist in sparking meaningful conversations through their practice. I encourage them to find ways to share their creativity and ideas beyond the academic bubble, where society at large will benefit from their gifts by influencing the evolving landscape through cultural exchange. It is requisite for a thriving society to recognize and support the vital role of these emerging artists in its ongoing development and progression. Go beyond preaching to the crowd, as more than ever, there’s a whole world that needs your humanity. – Anne Novado

Stick to What You’re Good At by Kate Warren

There will be an Opening reception on Friday, April 26 from 7:00pm-9:00pm.  

Please note some content in the exhibition, “Requisite Acts” may be challenging for some individuals. The intention is not to offend but to include works dealing with complex topics and issues. Individuals are welcome to attend the exhibition if they are comfortable with potentially sensitive topics.  Some content may not be suitable for young children. 

NOVADO GALLERY, LLC is located in the Powerhouse Arts District (110 Morgan Street, 1st Fl) in Jersey City, New Jersey. The Gallery believes that art should should enrich lives through inspiration, by provoking thought, and by becoming an integral part of one’s existence.  They cater to those individuals who consider their relationship to art as an intrinsic aspect of their everyday lives.  Their carefully curated programming aims to showcase works that ignite dialogue, celebrate the artist’s vision, and challenge conventions.  From established to emerging talent, each exhibition in their gallery has been created to resonate with intellectual and emotional depth. The gallery offers a welcoming environment where collectors and enthusiasts can engage with the art, nurturing their understanding and fostering meaningful connections.