Photo Courtesy of Ortega Y Gassett Projects
The Skirt at Ortega Y Gasset Projects presents a new solo exhibit from multi-disciplinary artist, [Rachel Klinghoffer](https://www.rachelklinghoffer.com), titled, _Suspended in my Masquerade_. Her new works blend the art of memory glass-making into larger otherworldly sculptures that are inserted with personal memorabilia, such as birthday balloons, used lingerie, religious relics, and her grandmother’s drink straw from a club in the 1940s. By putting these items in her work, ultimately making them artworks and icons in themselves, she literally suspends the past into time and space. Her sculptural objects resemble everyday objects such as used sneakers and gemstones, and her choice in colors used are a reference to the Hudson River School Romantics, emphasizing ranges of light.
Photo Courtesy of Ortega Y Gassett Projects
_Suspended in my Masquerade_ is a lyrical reference to Springsteen’s song, “Growin’ Up.” Similarly, the other works in this show are also named from lyrics in her music playlist. Titles are taken from Drake, The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, TV on the Radio, Paul Simon, Tom Petty, Phish, and many more. Klinghoffer takes what is already present in the world and creates it into her own reimagined masterpieces.
Photo Courtesy of Ortega Y Gassett Projects
At first look, each piece may be a bit daunting; the viewer is not quite sure what they are witnessing beyond the everyday items embedded in the statues. Upon a closer look, it is evident that each item was meticulously chosen and has great meaning to her. In her works, Klinghoffer gives special honor to the past. The objects used demonstrate the artist’s personal connection to Judaism, femininity, craft-making, romance, and pushes the true meaning of painting all the while investigating complexities that encompass sentimental items.
Photo Courtesy of Ortega Y Gassett Projects
Through the years, Klinghoffer has exhibited with The Willows, NY; Interface Gallery, CA; Tiger Strikes Asteroid, PA; among many more. She has also had the opportunity to have her work featured in the Brooklyn Rail, Vice, Title Magazine, and others.
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[Rachel Klinghoffer](https://www.rachelklinghoffer.com/), titled, _Suspended in my Masquerade_ will take place from January 25, 2020 at Ortega Y Gasset Projects, The Skirt, 363 Third Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215 on view until March 29, 2020.
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