I have a confession to
make. I know I called myself an “NYC girl” in a previous post, but I live in
Hoboken so technically I’m a Jersey girl. We Hobokenites just like to associate
ourselves more with NYC, 15 minute PATH ride away? Close enough. The other week,
I ventured beyond the Hoboken boundaries into Jersey City to visit the Mana
Contemporary Gallery.
Housed by a warehouse, the
gallery appears unassuming, unimposing. Enter and take the large freight elevator
to the 6th floor, doors opening to this expansive, blindingly white, almost
clinical room. As explained to me by one of the founders, this floor provides
the space for public viewings of private collections.
Crisp and clean, further underscoring the displayed art
The 4th floor
is my favorite, a floor of artists’ studios. Visitors have the rare opportunity
to view projects in progress and interact with the artists. I had the chance to
speak with Yigal Ozeri about his process. With a team of 10 assistants, he
transforms blank hand stretched canvases into monumental photorealistic works.
Barely noticeable brushstrokes
The gallery is planning a
sculpture garden à la MoMA and turning a floor into a dance studio, effectively
transcending and encompassing different art forms in one location. Having only
opened a year ago, Mana Contemporary is still trying to carve out its identity.
I’m happy to have visited it in its fledging form and can’t wait to see what else
is in store.
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