by Emma Riva
We’re back after a few weeks So, what’s happening in the Pittsburgh art scene right now? This is a bit of a down period, but it’s also starting to be spring, slightly bluer skies, a little bit less seasonal depression? I saw some crocuses growing. It seems like there’s something in the air about new beginnings and endings. Things closing and opening, institutional positions turning over, new memories replacing old ones…I guess that this isn’t an original observation and quite literally how everything in life works, but it’s in the air right now.
The cover image is I Am Not He by Alex Lecce, whose work I exhibited in a show called Neon Gothic around this time last year. Alex has been working a lot to boost their social media engagement through reels and reposting, and it seems to have been paying off. I love their work and I just wanted to put it on the cover to remind everyone to look towards living artists in our community and use Instagram as a tool to engage. A fairly high-level gallerist in Chicago I spoke to once told me part of how he finds people to show is just seeing who other artists are reposting on Instagram. It’s that simple.
For the spring, if you are so inclined, the Carnegie Museum of Art has a “Friends and Lovers” event that boasts a tour facilitated by both “curators and relationship therapists.” I’m honestly curious who they’re bringing in as a relationship therapist to the Carnegie Museum—maybe they know that it’s only truly messed up people that decide to become involved in the arts. For everybody in the doghouse out there, maybe this is what will finally fix your relationship.
In sadder news, here, a commercial art gallery in Mexican War Streets, announced the closure of its physical space. This doesn’t mean the end of gallerist Lexi Bishop’s creative endeavors, but it’s certainly a loss. More on this in coming posts. But, as Lexi wrote: “While ‘here’ has officially left its physical location at 527 N Taylor Ave in the Mexican War Streets, this is not goodbye..it’s a see ya later. I am calling this my ‘sabbatical’ to figure out the future of ‘here,’ but also focus more on my writing and another exciting project. Thank you to all the incredible artists and collectors that have made my time at 527 a dream. “
Lexi just published a great article in Testudo about Bunker Projects and the idea of an artist-run space, which you can read here.
Speaking of Bunker Projects, this is the last week to catch Caroline Yoo’s Alice & Alice in Free Fall immersive exhibition, closing 2/16. Another last chance is Silver Eye’s RADIAL SURVEY, which will soon be replaced with o_Man, a new show opening 2/22. Catch both before they close!
Margaret Kross’s space ROMANCE in Shadyside, which we recently covered, is celebrating one year with its first birthday party happening this Friday, 2/16. Margaret writes: “We’ve officially turned 1! This project, born out of heartbreak on every possible level, has been everything. YOU all have been everything, especially you artists, you!!! Romance adores you, and wants to party with you in the dead of winter 🌹 Come celebrate dance eat cake with your bare hands bring everyone you love. Forever yours, Margaret.” If that doesn’t entice you, I don’t know what will!
SPACE is also back open after asbestos made Jesse Best’s exhibition move to 707 Penn. It’s now hosting graduates of the Carnegie Mellon MFA program for This is not a map. Yay for no more asbestos! Yay art! 200+ people attended that opening, and it was refreshing to see so many people filling up the space.
As I’ve gone over the stats for the past few months, I want to thank everyone who reads Petrichor, even if it’s just a little bit. It’s hard to believe that this project has come to fruition as it has. I’m really enjoying getting to create something new—I’m always open for pitches and submissions. Part of the goal is not just reporting, but more craft-based, stylized writing, things you might not be able to publish elsewhere. Write an essay just about something you care about. I get sappy about these sorts of things. Thanks for believing in Petrichor if you’re reading this.
Send hyper-local gossip, hot takes, & show listings to petrichorpgh@gmail.com
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