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MIRROR FOR THE 21ST CENTURY @ BECA GALLERY, NEW ORLEANS - 05/04/08 - 23/05/08

From:     Gerald
Category: Exhibitions
Date:     12 April 2008
Time:     06:48 AM

Review:

What can we say about our existence in the 21st century? What is it that defines us and our culture
(s)? And how can we express this form of existence? Curator of 'Mirror for the 21st Century' (and 
Deputy Curator of Yorkshire Sculpture park) exhibition at the new, exciting New Orleans gallery 
BECA Gallery, Dr. Helen Pheby, has chosen a number of fresh (international) artists for the show that 
looks at exactly these kinds of questions.
This is, as I said, a new gallery on the New Orleans arts scene, which takes pride in being a fresh 
venue emerging in the "post-Katrina landscape". Showing international exhibitions like this one is a 
bold move towards something less local for a gallery that is just starting to establish itself, and they 
have, for the most part, succeeded in impressing the curious visitor. The space feels fresh too, and 
provides for a wide range of shows, and the curator has used the space well.
The photographic works in the show are perhaps the strongest and most exciting (Tim Maslen & 
Jennifer Mehra, Sara Andersdotter, Elana Katz & Philip Metz, Odette England and Donna Wan in 
particular), but there are some interesting, more tactile, works as well (Luba Zygarewicz in particular). 
The show is curated well, with only a few pieces that don't seem to suit (Shana Robbins and Minka 
Stoyanova feel a bit 'dated' & not soo much "21st century"). It's definately worth a visit if you're in New 
Orleans - this new gallery has added even more flavor to the place.


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