This exhibition features artists Yigsy Magaly and Angel Duran. Images Clockwise from top left:Insomnia, Magaly; I Come Alone, Duran; Morning Sun, Duran; Pink Lady, Magaly.
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) proudly unveils Abstraction of the Human Mind featuring the works of Yigsy Magaly and Angel Duran, two artists of depth and expansion, on view from Thursday, December 12, 2024 through Sunday, March 2, 2025, at The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery.
Abstraction of the Human Mind delves into the layers of human emotion and experience through the distinct voices of Yigsy Magaly and Angel Duran. Magaly’s work, particularly her Blanxs series, presents abstract figures devoid of facial expressions, allowing color, line, and shape to communicate emotional depth through body movement and gesture. This absence of familiar facial features creates space for viewers to project their own emotional responses, making each experience deeply personal and intimate. In contrast, Duran’s paintings depict the isolating effects of urbanization, with solitary figures navigating vast, blurred cityscapes. His use of photographic elements blurs the background while focusing on the figures, emphasizing the emotional distance and loneliness that often accompany modern city life.
Together, their works create a cohesive narrative on the emotional landscapes of today’s world, where Magaly’s introspective focus on personal emotional responses contrasts with Duran’s exploration of shared loneliness in urban environments. The exhibition examines the tensions between connection and isolation, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences of emotional abstraction in a world shaped by these forces.
“When I first met Angel and Yigsy, I was immediately captivated not only by their creativity but also by their presence as individuals,” says Exhibition Curator Jeremy Moss. “I walked away from that experience knowing that I wanted to curate an exhibition featuring their work. Now, I am thrilled to present Abstraction of the Human Mind.”
Both artists have exhibited their work at the notable contemporary art event, Art Fair 14C in Jersey City, a significant platform for showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art from emerging and established artists. Additionally, Angel participated in CONTEXT Art Miami, a highly regarded satellite fair of Art Miami, known for spotlighting contemporary and modern art. Their inclusion in these prominent events highlights the growing recognition of their unique artistic voices in the art world. Through their thought-provoking works in Abstraction of the Human Mind, Yigsy and Angel encourage us to consider the quiet moments of reflection we often overlook and how the complexities of modern life exist in a constant, beautiful abstraction.
An RSVP-only event, the Opening Reception on December 12 offers viewers a chance to experience, in person, these striking original works from Magaly and Duran. For press inquiries, please contact Lauren at lauren@sopacnow.org.
About the Artists
Yigsy Magaly is a Salvadorian-American artist born in El Salvador and raised in New Jersey. Initially drawn to photorealistic portraiture, Magaly has evolved her style, embracing minimalistic aesthetics to challenge artistic norms. In her series of paintings featuring abstract figures called Blanxs, she deliberately omits facial expressions. This choice allows the lines and colors to convey emotional depth, enabling observers to connect profoundly with the artwork. Magaly places a careful focus on the expressive potential of lines and colors, recognizing them as pivotal elements in conveying emotions. This approach accentuates the significance of body language and the nuanced interplay of lines and colors, presenting a distinctive and immersive experience for the audience. Her work practice involves using paint markers instead of traditional brushes. She creates a captivating 3D effect by extending her art beyond the canvas, painting the sides of her canvases and inviting viewers into her carefully crafted imaginary world. A graduate of Mason Gross School of the Arts, Magaly approaches visual storytelling with innovation, inviting observers to connect with their emotions through the delicate interplay of lines and colors.
Fundamentally, the works of Angel Duran serve as an exploration of the relationship between painting and photography. Thematically, they explore urbanization’s role in social fragmentation and the disintegration of human interactions. By depicting isolated figures roaming through empty and artificially-lit cityscapes, he hopes to highlight how — instead of forming intrapersonal relationships — metropolitan areas can help foster the feeling of isolation. But also, he hopes to form a communal experience built on our shared moments of isolation.
A frequent technique Duran incorporates into his paintings is the bokeh effect found in photography, the aesthetic quality of the blur produced in the out-of-focus parts of an image; his intention is not to simply paint blurry photographs, but rather, to address a hierarchy through blurring. For example, while still able to use figures as his prime subject matter, the blurring of the image allows him to investigate artificial light as its own subject matter. Everything becomes equally important and equally insignificant. Duran currently works and resides in New Jersey.
About the Curator
Exhibition Curator Jeremy Moss has been working in the arts and non-profit sphere for the past 20 years and has been curating exhibitions at SOPAC’s Herb + Milly Iris Gallery since 2016. He currently serves as Gallery Manager and Curator for the Heidi Gallery at JSDD in Livingston.He has also been the curator of the Orbital Gallery, the Firehouse Gallery, and the Community Gallery at ValleyArts. A successful artist, Moss is always pushing the boundaries of immersive creative experience. He is proud to have co-founded the Maplewood Art Walk, Open Orange, the Clinton School Theatre, INSPIRING MINDS, and the WAE Open at the Heidi Gallery.
The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC features a diverse curation of emerging artists, bringing contemporary art to a wider audience. Established by beloved SOPAC Board Member Milly Iris, a respected South Orange resident and fierce arts advocate, the gallery transmits her passion for art and access. Located on the venue’s second and third floors, the striking space holds 4-5 art exhibits each year. The gallery is open Tuesday-Friday, 12:00pm-6:00pm, plus two hours prior to SOPAC performances.
The South Orange Performing Arts Center offers audiences exhilarating and diverse arts entertainment in its intimate venue, serving as the cultural heartbeat of the greater South Orange/Maplewood region and contributing to the economic and social vibrancy of its highly diverse community.
SOPAC is an accessible cultural destination that presents world-class artists in an intimate and welcoming environment. The Jennifer & Tony Leitner Performance Hall is a 439-seat mainstage theatre with superb acoustics, sight lines and seating. Audiences remark that performances in this space are like having their favorite artists right in their own living room. Artists acknowledge that the atmosphere encourages conversations with audiences. The Loft at SOPAC is a 2,185 square-foot multi-purpose space used for performances, rehearsals, classes, and special events.
The unique architecture of SOPAC’s building, which includes a stunning 3-story glass-enclosed atrium, is also home to the Herb + Milly Iris Gallery. Beyond the building, SOPAC co-produces local events such as South Orange Summer Nights and serves students and schools through its arts education residencies.
SOPAC is invested in arts education. SOPAC serves students and schools in our region through a School Performance Series, performing Arts Residencies and annual juried art exhibits entitled INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition and INSPIRING MINDS. SOPAC also collaborates with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts each year to host the Region 5 Poetry Out Loud competitions. The Seton Hall University Arts Council presents a diverse range of events at SOPAC with seasoned professionals, students, and faculty.
Nearly ten years in the making, SOPAC first opened its doors in 2006. South Orange Village Trustees, in partnership with Seton Hall University, envisioned SOPAC as the center of an ambitious redevelopment plan. Through visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment, SOPAC has become a cultural centerpiece for the region, an economic driver for the community, and a catalyst for artistic opportunity.
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