Brave New World

Harsh Collective is pleased to announce Brave New World, a duo exhibition featuring Alexandra Houx Grounds and Tara Lewis, curated by Juliette Eberle.

The exhibition explores the relationship between Lewis and Grounds as mentor and mentee, and the effect each artist had on their respective practices. Their relationship began nearly a decade ago when Lewis was Grounds’ art professor and mentor at Phillips Exeter. Both Lewis and Grounds utilize portraiture to explore the dichotomy of the contemporary moment: the yearning to embrace the nostalgic past whilst adapting to the futuristic present. The duo challenges preconceived notions of authenticity, personhood, agency, and the female experience through their reciprocal artistic languages of iconography and technology, respectively.

“A Brave New World underscores the importance of human connection, more specifically, the relationship to self and the vital role educators play in fostering and empowering students’ creativity for their futures,” shares Juliette Eberle, curator of Brave New World.

Grounds states that “in Brave New World, the canvas becomes a crucible where the future melds with the now. This ethos is encapsulated in my latest series, a collection deeply influenced by Artificial Intelligence. This technology isn’t just a tool; it’s a passion that drives me to expand the horizons of my own creativity and ideas. These paintings represent a journey into uncharted territories. They continue the narrative threads prevalent in my previous works: the exploration of gender, the intricate dance of time and space, the haunting beauty of the Arizona landscapes of my youth, and those ephemeral moments of magic.”

Lewis adds that “in the context of Brave New World, I delve into the nuanced realm of iconic masks, contemplating the authenticity of humanity against a backdrop of assigned traits. The paintings depict everyday females adorned with superhero masks, seamlessly merging recognized characteristics from figures. Within these portraits, reminiscent of yearbook photos, I strive to capture the veiled essence of these characters, creating a dynamic fusion of iconic traits within the fabric of ordinary life. These portraits invite the viewer to reflect on the fluidity of identity.”