Entropy

Harsh Collective and Collect Bean proudly present Entropy, a duo show featuring the works of Brooklyn-based artists Nicole James and Gabriela Kramer at Harsh Collective’s new Lower East Side location (133 Eldridge St). Both artists have developed unique approaches to navigating chaos within their art, showcasing their distinct styles and inviting viewers into a captivating dialogue between order and spontaneity.

Nicole James (b. 1987, Los Angeles, CA) embraces chaos in her figurative compositions, even amidst the quest for aesthetic perfection. Using a systematic painting approach, James seamlessly integrates elements from modern photography, pop culture, and self-documentation. Her compositions, born from this fusion, offer viewers a glimpse into the beauty inherent in life’s chaos, inviting them to immerse themselves in the captivating allure of disorder while imagining themselves as the subject of the composition.

Gabriela Kramer (b. 1994, San Diego, CA) infuses the vibrancy of city life, her diverse experiences, and pop culture influences into her spontaneous abstract works. Through her paintings, which are abundant with personal stories and provocative titles, Kramer prompts viewers to engage with their own personal narratives. Kramer’s abstract expressionist style leads viewers on a transformative journey, exploring vulnerabilities and emotional landscapes from innocence to womanhood.

In contrast to James’ structured chaos, Kramer’s works embody a spontaneous energy that celebrates the dynamism of life. While James’ compositions exhibit meticulous precision, each subtly hints at the inevitable presence of unpredictability. Conversely, Kramer’s art feels immediate and vibrant, yet it unfolds into a carefully orchestrated symphony of emotions and experiences upon closer examination. Kramer infuses her art with personal vitality, inviting viewers to explore the complexities of their emotional landscapes.