Newsletter
Minnie Park Art Project presents:
Vulnerable States: Reshaping the Unseen
Vulnerable States: Reshaping the Unseen delves into the essence of human vulnerability, exploring how individuals confront and process the fragility of existence in the face of external pressures. In a world that often rewards strength and excellence, these qualities are often responses to deep-rooted vulnerabilities. This exhibition challenges the notion that human happiness requires grandeur or material success, instead focusing on the simplicity of our needs and the external forces that disrupt our ability to experience fundamental joy.
The show features a diverse group of artists who examine vulnerability through varied lenses—ranging from societal pressures, racial inequality, and military service to more personal battles such as body image and the expectation to conform. Through video, performance, fiber art, photography, and sculpture, these artists offer a raw reflection on how external forces shape and expose the unseen aspects of our lives. The exhibition invites viewers to consider vulnerability not as a weakness, but as a vital aspect of our shared human experience.
The featured artists include:
• Laura James (Painting) – Laura James is a self-taught artist whose work blends African and Caribbean-American heritage with themes of spirituality and everyday life. Known for her sacred art inspired by Ethiopian Christian iconography and her secular focus on women’s lives, her work addresses issues of gender, motherhood, and inclusivity. She is also the founder of BX200, a platform supporting Bronx visual artists, and is currently working on a mural celebrating her local community.
• Jeagu Kang (Photography) – In South Korea, where military service is mandatory, enlistment is a rite of passage that leaves a lasting impact on most young men. Artist Kang Jae-gu captures this unique experience in his photographic work, exploring themes of identity, conformity, and the emotional complexities surrounding military service through projects such as Private, Reservist, Military Certificate, and 12mm.
• Thomas Martinez Pilnik (Painting & Sculpture) – Thomas Martinez Pilnik is a London-born artist with Brazilian roots, now based in Los Angeles. His work, which explores themes of memory and personal history, has been exhibited internationally, including in New York, Los Angeles, and Lisbon, and he has participated in residencies such as Zaratan and Stove Work.
• Nabil West (Photography) – Nabil West is an award-winning photographer known for his natural, unaltered photography. In 2023, he won the International Photography Award for Event Photographer of the Year for his NYC Women’s March 2017 photograph, which you can view at this show.
• Jin K Lee (Video & Performance) – Capturing emotional shifts in a fast-paced society.
• Charlotte Bravin Lee (Watercolor & Mixed Media) – Navigating personal fears and emotional depth.
• Charlotte Grüssing (Soft Sculpture) – Examining femininity and societal expectations through textiles.
• Persephone Bennett (Textile Art) – Creating tactile pieces from zero-waste materials that express inner dialogue.
This exhibition is a thoughtful reflection on the balance between strength and fragility, inviting viewers to consider vulnerability as part of what makes us human.
Additional Events:
• Friday Art Therapy with Evelyn Mora, a licensed NYC art therapist. A perfect way to relax and engage with your inner self through art.
• Artist Talk with Laura James, where she will share insights into her creative processes and the stories behind their work.
