L’Space Gallery in New York City is set to showcase the innovative work of artist Danielle Frankenthal in a solo exhibition titled “Playing with Light.” Curated by art critic Lilly Wei, the exhibition promises to challenge traditional notions of light, transparency, and spatial perception in contemporary abstract art.
Frankenthal, known for her pioneering technique of layering acrylic panels with various paint methods, has spent over three decades developing a unique visual language that blurs the lines between physical and illusionistic space. Her multidimensional works, which include the Gardens and Clouds series, evoke ephemeral landscapes and atmospheric nuances through dynamic brushwork, pearlescent grounds, and gilded details.
The artist’s approach to light as an active participant in her creations sets her apart in the field of contemporary abstraction. As viewers move around her pieces, the compositions shift, creating a fluid, kaleidoscopic experience that challenges traditional ideas of depth and perspective. Wei notes that in Frankenthal’s work, “Light has top billing… while color and its incessant fluctuations are given critical supporting roles.”
Frankenthal’s artistic lineage can be traced to influential female abstract painters such as Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell, and Lee Krasner. However, her direct engagement with light as a medium distinguishes her work. Building on Paul Cézanne’s concept of representing light through color, Frankenthal extends this idea by incorporating light’s physical presence in a way that evolves with the viewer’s perception.
The exhibition underscores Frankenthal’s ability to capture the transient beauty of light and color, positioning her as a distinctive voice in contemporary abstraction. Wei describes the artist’s works as “an invitation to step into a world of impermanence and possibility, where perception itself is as fluid and layered as her compositions.”
“Playing with Light” will be on view at L’Space Gallery, located at 524 W 19th St. in New York, from February 20th to April 5th, 2025. The opening night reception is scheduled for February 20th from 6 to 8 PM, with an artist’s talk to be announced at a later date.
