Alumnus Brigid Kennedy exhibits at the Castellani Art Museum

[The following was published at https://castellaniartmuseum.org/exhibitions/brigid-kennedy-social-fabric]:

Castellani Art Museum is delighted to present Brigid Kennedy: Social Fabric, on view from March 20 to September 28, 2025, with a reception on April 24, 2025. This exhibition bridges the deeply personal and the broadly social through two compelling series: Inside/Outside Reflection and Social Justice. Through a masterful combination of representational and abstracted approaches, Kennedy’s work delves into themes of perception, memory, and connection, creating thought-provoking spaces for reflection and engagement.

The Inside/Outside Reflection series, developed during the pandemic, transforms familiar vistas into intricate compositions that blur the boundaries between inner and outer worlds. Grounded in Buddhist philosophy and Eastern wisdom traditions, these works invite viewers to experience the wonder of the present moment, capturing ephemeral light, subtle transformations, and the extraordinary within the ordinary. Paintings such as Dawn I and Back Door, Back Yarddepict the interplay between natural and built environments, fostering a contemplative connection to place.

In contrast, the Social Justice series confronts urgent global and local challenges with striking clarity and compassion. Kennedy examines themes such as the human cost of cobalt mining, voting rights, and the plight of refugees, presenting art as a catalyst for social awareness and change. Works like Cobalt II and My Heart Bleeds with You Ukraine highlight the profound emotional and physical toll of these issues, urging viewers to consider their roles in fostering positive change.

Kennedy’s distinctive voice emerges through her exploration of both intimate personal observations and larger societal narratives. By weaving together themes of environment, justice, and personal experience, Social Fabric transcends traditional artistic boundaries, inviting viewers to reflect deeply on the interconnectedness of humanity. This transformative exhibition exemplifies the power of art to inspire contemplation and action.

Social Fabric is made possible in part through the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Brigid Kennedy holds a BFA degree from UB Department of Art, 1977

More on Brigid: https://brigidkennedyart.com/about-the-artist