Sarah Ortmeyer’s practice engages with the world of risk, recurrently touching the theme of chess in conversation with notions of love. The artist’s extensive oeuvre is emblematic of both a bold temperament and a subtle approach. Her work spans from sculpture to painting to publishing, offering wild compositions that convey a romanticism of emotions, underlined with an unusual understanding of the human condition. Intriguingly, Ortmeyer is an artist who works across generations and is frequently shown in exhibitions alongside modern artists such as Man Ray or Kandinsky—while taking a highly contemporary approach. “Sports Club New York” is her 75th exhibition. A show embracing delicacy yet full of flames and disobedience by being unapologetically antithetic. This antithesis is presented through intrinsic nature, unexpected love encounters, and the vulnerability of shells and sportsmen.
The exhibition captures the essence of her practice with the bodies of work: Grandmaster Series (Chess), Monster Series (Eggs), Emoji Shadow Series (Shadows), Diabolus Collectio (Devils), Canus Collectio (Grey), Silver Collectio (Silver), and Collectio Collectio (Portraits).
”Sports Club New York“ is a step towards innocence and a story of bigger, darker tales. The simplicity of materials in the show becomes a strength while the works stay open and raw. The exhibition—mainly in silver, black, and white—bleeds out hues in the colors of the sky (Grandmaster paintings).
Every single piece in the show is unique.
A punk disorder, hidden behind the neat uneven disposition within each room: Ortmeyer navigates them with ease through repetition and distinctiveness only to end in freedom.
at Galerie Eva Presenhuber, New York
until July 29, 2022