ISCP TalkSeptember 26, 2023, 6–7pm
Artists at Work: Merav Kamel & Halil Balabin
For this Artists at Work, ISCP artist-duo-in-residence Merav Kamel and Halil Balabin will discuss their artistic practice and the new directions they have explored during their residency at ISCP. ISCP Director of Programs Alison Kuo will engage them in conversation, followed by a guided Q&A with the audience.
Merav Kamel & Halil Balabin are a Tel Aviv-based collaborative duo working together since 2012. They combine absurdity and humor with history, sexuality, and fantasy in two and three-dimensional works that on first encounter, often give a gentle, even cute impression. Yet upon closer viewing, narratives emerge that are more vulgar and darkly funny. Inside jokes and ironic anecdotes are used to critique everything from Israeli society to issues of gender inequality. Kamel & Balabin create sculptural dolls and large-scale drawing installations with materials such as fabric, wood, metal, and ceramic. They have exhibited work at Israel Museum, Jerusalem; Summlung Philara, Düsseldorf; and ZONAMACO Art Fair, Mexico City, among others.
This program is supported, in part, by Artis; Hartfield Foundation; Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation; New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council; Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso; New York City Council District 34; New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature; James Rosenquist Foundation; and William Talbott Hillman Foundation.
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Accessibility information: Please note that the entrance to ISCP has seven steps and a ramp, which is ADA compliant. There are seven artist studios and one exhibition space which can be accessed on the first floor of ISCP. There is an accessible bathroom on the first floor at the end of the hallway, up one step, where the artist studios are located. To access the second floor there is a
A staircase with a grab bar installed on the right side with 22 steps. The second floor has 22 artist and curator studios, one exhibition space, and a lounge where remarks by our guest speaker will take place. To access the third floor there is a staircase with a grab bar installed on the right side with 24 steps. The third floor has five artist and curator studios. ISCP can access a freight elevator to bring visitors between the first and second floors on request.
ISCP can offer two reserved parking spaces on request for people with disabilities. Please email akuo@iscp-nyc.org to request a parking space and/or freight elevator usage.