UNBOUND

a virtual exhibition

Jan 01 - 27, 2024

Curated by Michelle May & Payal Thiffault of Juniper Rag

21 contemporary artists

Juniper Rag is thrilled to present our latest virtual exhibition. For this collection, viewers are encouraged to discover new contemporary artists and their art, selected for risk-taking, skill and vulnerability in the evolution of creating work and in the course of their career. The landscape in the art world is changing rapidly and we want to demonstrate and inspire, featuring artists that are incorporating new ideas into your own work. There is an excitement in art making when something new happens. This exhibition is about the freedom of experimentation, the inclusion of new concepts in art making and the ability to push your personal boundaries as an artist.

Art-making extends far past what the eye sees in two or three dimensions. When artists record themselves, intrinsically, a magical exchange is made between the creator and the viewer. A part of their inner persona is presented publicly for others to view, discuss and critique in ways that leave them vulnerable. This gift of art is a gift from the self to us and in creating this work, we view artists pushing their own personal limits of creativity.

We celebrate the use of new materials, processes, mediums, the use of new technology and the forging onward in the practice of art, no matter where it takes them. As viewers, we should be reminded that new ideas are not always adopted immediately and that in time, some of these ideas may be the visionary paths that many artists and collectors with respect and follow. Taking risks, changing your process, experimentation and hell, quitting your day job to make art—all should be rewarded. We are proud to present this collection of talented and inspiring contemporary artists.

Banner Art: Bruce Wilson

*Best in Show Award: Bruce Wilson


ARTISTS OF UNBOUND:

Michele Benzamin @michele.benzaminmiki
Heidi Brueckner @heidi.brueckner
Monica DeSalvo @monica.desalvo
Jessica Lovina Guimond @wonder.and.shadows
Ronald Gonzalez @ronaldgonzalezstudio
Colleen Hoffenbacker @colleenhoffenbacker
Sherry Karver @sherrykarver
Sasha Knittel @sashafino.creative
Jim Kociuba @jimkociuba
Emily Krill @resolution_eats

Andrea Lewicki @andrealewicki
Sylvie Mayer @sylvie__mayer
Katherine Downey Miller @kdowneymiller
Mark Mulholland @markmulholland
KarenNunley @kmcnun
Isabella Ronchetti @bellar0n
Pip Shepley @pip_shepley
Robert Steffen @rsteffenvisarts
Jacob Strock @jacobsalad_
Martha Wakefield @mmwakefield
*Bruce Wilson @brucehughw007

Curating an Art Exhibition

Curation is a complex process of creativity in itself, a delicate process of organization that requires an innate understanding of artistic skill, color choices, composition, process, materials and selecting work on merit that falls within the story to be told. The task of curating with a unique lens adds an unparalleled layer of depth and connection to the collection, bringing forth the aspect of capturing the story within selections, revealing the relationship between the art and the curator’s instinct. We remind viewers and artists…

  • Each curator brings their own experiences, biases, and emotions to the table.

  • This personal touch infuses the artwork selection process with a sense of subjectivity, allowing for a diverse range of perspectives to be represented within our exhibition.

  • We appreciate the individuality of each guest curation, because they open our eyes to what they see.

  • The subject matter chosen by the curator fits within their scope as described in our instructions.

  • Curators seek to create meaningful connections between the artwork and the viewer as a body of work.

  • They consider how each piece might evoke certain feelings, spark introspection, or challenge us, forging a bridge between the artist's intention and the audience's interpretation.

Co-Founders Michelle May and Payal Thiffault have been fortunate to have curated many shows in our 15 years of involvement in the arts. For non-profit fundraising and live and virtual international exhibitions for Juniper Rag. With careers that spanned about two decades, their keen eye and intuitive sense of trend forecasting also contributed to building brands in the stationery industry. Working with prestigious companies over the years has enabled them to forge pathways for many small creative businesses through collaborations and partnership projects.

More recently, jurying, curation & hosting over 10 exhibitions this year include, Hopkinton Center for the Arts, New Art Newton, CUSP Gallery, The White Room, Artist on Fire at Krikorian Gallery, About Face, Annual International Exhibition at Fountain Street Gallery, solo shows at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA and most recently, The Fay Chandler Exhibition at the Mayor's Gallery in Boston. We enjoy consulting and collaborating.

Please also visit our Past Exhibitions.

Colleen Hoffenbacker