Dissecting Signifiers

The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art is pleased to present “Dissecting Signifiers,” a group show curated by artist Eric Gushee investigating the signs, symbols, and icons that are present in our everyday experiences. The show presents and indexes the variety of ways one interprets and reinterprets the everyday objects and imagery of the visual language we are exposed to in our environment.

Man-made objects from the urban landscape are the basis for LA-based artist Salvador Dominguez‘s practice, as he recreates paraphernalia like manhole covers and rearview mirrors through making processes that recall experiences of blue-collar labor. Chicago-based artist Jason Hawk too uses masterful fabrication techniques in his work, here presenting an “archaeological” installation of cast objects from everyday life cascading from a hole in the gallery wall. From Chicago’s graffiti and skateboarding scene, Chris Silva creates complex assemblages of found and crafted objects, using the gritty, graphic characteristics of street art in works that trigger intuitive responses. Turkey-born, Chicago-based artist Asli Uludag sources materials and objects from different geographical locations, creating narrative sculptures that unite notions of history, conflict and humanity.

The artists selected for this show extrapolate meaning from dissecting visual language – implementing it in their art as tools for creating allegories, to reflect on personal experience, voice political opinions, and even constructing new worlds from the remains of this one.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website