Horror vacuI

Horror vacui is “the fear of emptiness.” Although usually associated with the overly ornamented art of the Victorian and Baroque Eras, the phrase also brings to mind questions about our current society, and in particular the insidiousness of modern consumerism. In this context, the term horror vacui expresses our insatiable appetite for all that is new, as we attempt to fill that emptiness with material items, products, clothes: stuff. Curated by Valery Jung (정) Estabrook, Horror Vacui was a solo booth exhibition by artist Kat Ryals that investigated the relationships between religion and capitalism, material excess and inner voids. Speaking in a language that we understand as consumers, Ryals adeptly transformed artifacts of our gluttony into artworks that inspire awe and wonder. The presentation of sculptural and lenticular artworks was on view in Booth 1040 at SPRING/BREAK Art Show located at 625 Madison Ave in New York City from March 3rd - 9th, 2020.