In the Surface Exhibition at Nxera Art Gallery, contemporary artist Washington Rhodes presents a powerful interrogation of the physical and metaphorical boundaries that define the human experience. Through his evocative anthropomorphic series, Rhodes explores the "surface" as a site of both containment and resistance. Central to his practice is the recurring "box motif"; a potent symbol used to challenge and dismantle the restrictive societal narratives often imposed upon communities of color.
Drawing from his transformative tenure as an educator in underserved communities, Rhodes infuses his compositions with a raw, urgent social commentary. His work transcends mere representation, utilizing visually compelling forms to invite viewers into a dialogue on the human condition across space and time. By reimagining the surface of the canvas as a landscape for introspection and justice, Rhodes offers a fresh, emotionally resonant perspective that aligns with Nxera’s mission to showcase the "raw, the real, and the layered."
Exhibition Details
Event Name: Surface Exhibition
Date(s) & Time(s): May 29th – June 3rd, 2026
Event Location: Nxera Art Gallery, 616 E 9th Street, East Village, Manhattan, New York
Type: Curated Group Exhibition (Physical & Digital)
Description: A showcase of global contemporary artists exploring themes of identity, memory, and transformation through the lens of surface and visual language.
In the Surface Exhibition at Nxera Art Gallery, contemporary artist Washington Rhodes presents a powerful interrogation of the physical and metaphorical boundaries that define the human experience. Through his evocative anthropomorphic series, Rhodes explores the "surface" as a site of both containment and resistance. Central to his practice is the recurring "box motif"; a potent symbol used to challenge and dismantle the restrictive societal narratives often imposed upon communities of color.
Drawing from his transformative tenure as an educator in underserved communities, Rhodes infuses his compositions with a raw, urgent social commentary. His work transcends mere representation, utilizing visually compelling forms to invite viewers into a dialogue on the human condition across space and time. By reimagining the surface of the canvas as a landscape for introspection and justice, Rhodes offers a fresh, emotionally resonant perspective that aligns with Nxera’s mission to showcase the "raw, the real, and the layered."
Exhibition Details
Event Name: Surface Exhibition
Date(s) & Time(s): May 29th – June 3rd, 2026
Event Location: Nxera Art Gallery, 616 E 9th Street, East Village, Manhattan, New York
Type: Curated Group Exhibition (Physical & Digital)
Description: A showcase of global contemporary artists exploring themes of identity, memory, and transformation through the lens of surface and visual language.
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