East Hampton’s Guild Hall opened their newly renovated galleries this month and are featuring a solo exhibition by artist Renee Cox. The exhibit was organized by curator Monique Long, and Renee Cox: A Proof of Being is a collection of the artist’s most well-known photographs from the past thirty years—1993 to present to showcase her evolution through performative self-portraits. The exhibit opened on July 2nd and will be on-view until September 4th. The galleries are open from noon until 5:00 p.m. Thursday to Monday at Guild Hall, located at 158 Main Street in East Hampton.
Curator and organizer Monique Long says, “Renee Cox’s intrepid gaze has been a part of the zeitgeist for nearly thirty years. Her work has been influential across disciplines including popular culture, music, fashion, and of course, visual art.”
Renee Cox is a Jamaica native working as a visual artist in several mediums, with her main focus on photography and video. Her driving motive is to break down stereotypes and preconceived notions whether they be about gender, race, or sexuality, and she aims to engage and challenge her viewers. Getting her start as a commercial photographer, her interest was set on the fine arts. After earning an MFA from the School of Visual Arts she has worked as a visual artist, curator, lecturer, and educator. She has also regularly contributed to the New York Times Magazine. She is based in both Harlem and Amagansett, NY where she continues her important and standout work.
Renee Cox: A Proof of Being includes some of Renee’s most recognizable work. Her Yo Mama series has been described as “groundbreaking” in the art world. Also on display will be her photos to Queen Nanny, a Jamaican hero, which have similarly been noted as “iconic.” Along with these revolutionary pieces of art will be her Soul Culture, a recent work premiering in New York for the very first time, and a video installation.
Guild Hall Director of Visual Arts, Melanie Crader spoke about the artist and anticipated exhibit of the summer. She says, “Renee Cox’s work underscores the importance of examining visual culture, and we are pleased to work with her along with Monique Long to present this survey of Renee’s work as the first exhibition in our newly renovated galleries.”
Guild Hall was founded in 1931 and has been a hub of the arts on the East End ever since. They are a museum, performing arts center, and educational institute that invites everyone to experience culture, and serve as inspiration for endless creative potential and conversation surrounding the arts. They are on the cusp of their centennial, and felt it was time to make big improvements and renovations to the beloved facility so it can be enjoyed for years to come.
All of those involved in Guild Hall can’t wait to welcome visitors to the newly renovated gallery, and Renee Cox: A Proof of Being is just the exhibit to kick off their renovation and summer season. Head over to Guild Hall in East Hampton where admission is free and enjoy the immersive experience. To learn more, visit https://www.guildhall.org.
