High Line Nine x Chashama

Sébastien Courty transforms the old into the new. Using traditional and ancient techniques, the textile and fibre artist explores texture, material and colour to evoke emotion and push the boundaries of textiles. His work elegantly threads together various cultures, and he is not afraid to experiment beyond fibres – this exhibition, Identities in Thread, is a wonderful example of his versatility and range. Art and textiles have been around for forever, and Courty is dedicated to challenging the way we perceive them.

Delvin Lugo’s Caribbean Summer is rooted in the intersection of sexual and cultural identity. After leaving the Dominican Republic at age 12, he developed an interest in the lifestyles of the queer community in Santo Domingo. Through vibrant tropical colours, his works express the distinct personalities of his subjects. This collection is a culmination of extensive periods of research – Lugo worked one-on-one with local artists and activists to authentically represent their experiences. His work hits close to home, both figuratively and literally, and is genuine exploration on LGBTQ+ lives in the motherland.

Sheryl Oppenheim’s exhibition, Book Related, takes us back to the fundamentals. Her work explores her own art techniques in the context of bookbinding – from paper marbling to glueing, she is fascinated by the way books are made. This collection also investigates the connection between her work and the work of participating publishers. Her colourful pieces have a welcoming feel to them, perfectly reflecting the way book-making is rooted in collaboration and community.

Lastly, throw yourself into the wonderfully introspective world of Old Talks with New Icons. Here, Philip A. Robinson Jr. depicts how clothing allows us to project the version of ourselves that we aspire to be. Robinson Jr. is no stranger to exploring various aspects of identity – as a sculptor, he uses wood to symbolise the cycles of time and geography and how these themes intertwine with different cultures. Similarly, this exhibition also demonstrates the diversity of perspectives when it comes to clothing, and how the consumption of clothing is unique in each cultural, religious and geographical upbringing.