Ephemeral NY: Unpacking the Radical Aesthetic Break in Josiah McElheny's Geometries for an Imagined Future

In his latest show at James Cohan Gallery in New York, artist Josiah McElheny presents a radical aesthetic break from his previous work. Gone are the colorful, formally stunning artworks that were once characteristic of his style. Instead, McElheny has created a new series of geometric forms that glow white against black backgrounds, marking a significant departure from his earlier focus on mathematical ordering systems.

The show is anchored by two black panels bisected horizontally by a darkened ledge that cradles a polished glass object. The object itself is transparent and boasts its own imperfections, a far cry from the perfect, colorful works of the past. These imperfections serve as a reminder that even in perfection lies a certain melancholy.

The eight painterly works on display are reminiscent of mid-century trophy cases, but instead of being specific totems to particular events, they are non-specific meditations on form and emptiness. The ever-shifting light within these objects undermines the claims to objectivity that such systems often pretend to, adding a layer of complexity to the viewer's experience.

The use of polyhedra in McElheny's work is particularly noteworthy, with each form cut from glass and set into mirrored wells. The resulting glow is a result of refracting light within, creating an otherworldly effect that adds to the sense of wonder and curiosity surrounding the show.

One of the most striking pieces on display is 'Prismatic Refractive Geometry I' (2023), which features a triaxial ellipsoid with a two-part center. This geometry is premised on a fundamental understanding of the human condition, one that is intensely relational yet flawed. Another standout piece is 'The Shape of Melancholy' (2023), which holds the mysterious polyhedron from Albrecht Dürer's 1513 engraving 'Melancholia I'. This work reflects essential qualities of the human condition, including melancholy and imperfection.

Overall, McElheny's Geometries for an Imagined Future marks a significant departure from his earlier work, one that is characterized by a newfound emphasis on imperfection and melancholy. The show is a testament to the artist's ability to evolve and push boundaries, creating a new aesthetic language that is both radical and thought-provoking.

Ephemeral ny