Amie Cunat “Petal Signals”

Both horrific and comedic, earthly and transcendent, Cunat’s new paintings present biomorphic forms that are undeniably familiar yet foreign and reject singular associations, a departure from her past exhibition with the gallery that recreated a Shaker meeting house. She shifts the frame of reference to pose the question: can we know something we’ve never seen before? Each work calls to mind a sense of recognition, toying with the instinct to assign familiar meaning while demanding additional perspectives.

Channeling tenets of Pop Abstraction and Surrealist biomorphism, Cunat expands upon her language of comical, yet unsettling forms, which oscillate between representation and abstraction. At first, the works appear amusing and bright, however, upon deeper examination, the otherworldly figures become increasingly insidious as the thorny petals pierce the confines of their frame.

Cunat’s interest in the Shakers, a utopian community known for their fervent movements during worship service, unique social organization, and exceptional craftsmanship, can be found embedded within the work. She borrows signs and motifs, particularly those from Shaker gift drawings, and uses them to explore new ways of image making. The resulting experience within the paintings open lines of inquiry and offers different reads that push against fixed claims.  

Press release and images via Dinner Gallery, NY.