Unlocking the Creative Sanctuary: ISCP's Artistic Odyssey

Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP), the exhibition "Somewhere Inside: ISCP and the Studio" offers a captivating exploration of how five ISCP alumni – Martine Gutierrez, Daniel Guzmán, Joiri Minaya, Sophie Tottie, and Frank WANG Yefeng – find inspiration and expression within the confines of their artistic workspaces. This exhibition delves into the evolving nature of the modern studio, revealing it as a multifaceted realm where creativity flourishes and artistic identities are forged.

Unveiling the Artistic Sanctuary: A Transformative Journey

The Evolving Studio: From Solitary Retreat to Dynamic Nexus

The exhibition examines the diverse manifestations of the artist's studio, which has adapted and evolved over time. Once seen as a sacred space of refuge, the modern studio has taken on myriad forms – from solitary retreats to collective workshops, from community settings to office spaces, and even virtual realms within the artist's mind. The featured artists in "Somewhere Inside" approach their studios as nourishing and exploratory environments, where they can develop and cultivate their creative archives, drawing inspiration from the materials and imagery that surround them.

Alchemy of the Studio: Accumulating and Transforming

Reflecting on the alchemy of the studio, the exhibition highlights the various strategies employed by the artists to accumulate and make use of the resources within their workspaces. From books, magazines, and online searches to sketches, costumes, and earlier artworks, the studio contents serve as a rich archive of materials, imagery, and ideas. It is from this archive that the artists often make new discoveries and produce innovative works, blending the tangible and the intangible to forge their creative expressions.

ISCP: Fostering an International Community of Artists

The International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP) has been the lifeblood of the studio environment, serving as a vital hub for artists and curators from around the world. Established in 1994 with the goal of nurturing an international artistic community in New York City, ISCP has evolved to provide individual studios, as well as opportunities for support and exchange, to artists and curators from diverse backgrounds. Now located in an old printing factory in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, ISCP continues to play a crucial role in bridging divides, championing diverse viewpoints, and creating a more inclusive and dynamic artistic community, both in New York City and beyond.

Curating the Artistic Sanctuary: Melinda Lang's Vision

The exhibition "Somewhere Inside: ISCP and the Studio" is curated by Melinda Lang, ISCP's Director of Programs and Exhibitions. Through her curatorial lens, Lang has skillfully woven together the narratives of the five featured artists, highlighting the unique ways in which they engage with and transform their studio environments. By showcasing the diverse practices and approaches of these ISCP alumni, the exhibition invites viewers to explore the multifaceted nature of the artist's studio and the profound impact it has on the creative process.

Celebrating ISCP's Legacy: A Mosaic of Artistic Voices

As ISCP commemorates its 30th anniversary, "Somewhere Inside" stands as a testament to the program's enduring legacy and its commitment to fostering an international community of artists. The exhibition's focus on five ISCP alumni, each with their distinct practices and perspectives, reflects the rich tapestry of artistic voices that have been nurtured and empowered within the ISCP ecosystem. Through this exhibition, the public is invited to witness the alchemy of the studio, where the artists' personal archives and the external world converge to give birth to captivating works of art.