The Department of Fine Arts, Design, Art History is presenting Priceless or (gravity in paradise), the first U.S. solo exhibition by Colombian artist Juan Hernández Díaz, at the Rosenberg Gallery in Calkins Hall through Sunday, April 23.
The exhibition focuses on the relationship between people and the outwardly unremarkable objects they hold dear. These items – contributed by Hofstra students – are on view in the gallery, displayed by Hernández Díaz on drop ceiling tiles, so they are seemingly floating in midair. Each object is part of a balanced composition, suggesting the emotional freefall in which people often feel they are living.
Hernández Díaz said the pieces in the exhibit embody emotions and the personal stories of the students who contributed them.
“Ask someone about the most ordinary items in their home, purse, or backpack. You’ll be surprised by the meaning and memories they hold,” said Hernández Díaz.
“With this in mind, I initiated a dialogue with a group of students from Hofstra, exploring the role objects play in their daily practices and how they could be central to meaning-making,” he continued. “With each contributed item – a broken calculator, a coral skeleton, a figurine – a personal story was unearthed. While these objects hold no monetary value, they add substance and meaning to their owner’s existence.”
Hernández Díaz investigates balance, precariousness, risk, and uncertainty through the exploration of objects, installation, drawing, and writing. His recent work reflects on the current historical moment, drawing upon his upbringing in South America by creating fragile and ephemeral forms through improvisation and provisional solutions.
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Hernández Díaz earned a B.Arch. with honors from Universidad de los Andes and an MFA in Visual Arts from Columbia University School of the Arts. He lives and works in New York City.
For more information on Priceless, call the Department of Fine Arts, Design, Art History at 516-463-5474.
