The opening of A Touch Of Red, A Touch of Life was a resounding success, drawing art lovers from all over New York City on Friday, September 13th, 2024. Held at 281 Maple Street, the evening was filled with lively conversation, curated artwork from Gallery Particulier artists, and of course, drinks and bites to keep the energy flowing.
The evening was led by co-Executive Director Justin Freeman, who kept the crowd engaged with Gallery Particulier’s signature interaction prompts, encouraging connection between attendees and the artwork. Justin came up with the idea to give secret clues to the visitors: they got into groups to guess what artworks the clues referred to. Fun and engaging!
This exhibit also marked the curatorial debut of Quiana Dumas, who has been instrumental to the gallery’s growth over the past year. Quiana’s eye for selecting pieces that speak to each other and to viewers was evident throughout the show. “One of the main guiding principles was that each work could be hosted in someone’s home,” she explained. “The color red acted as a guide for me as well, symbolizing a range of emotions from passion and desire to anger and abundance. When we add a touch of red, we add a touch of life.”
The show includes a vivid range of styles, from abstract to figurative, all chosen for their emotional resonance. Quiana’s approach to curation is rooted in feeling, rather than strict intellectual analysis. “I like to place works based on how they make me feel,” she shared, “letting intuition lead the way.” The result is an exhibit that feels personal, inviting viewers to engage with the art in a more intimate way.
What sets this exhibit apart is its unique offering: all of the featured works are available to be hosted in someone’s home for several months, reflecting the gallery’s commitment to making art accessible to the community in a meaningful way.
We are grateful to the many visitors who came to enjoy the evening, and in particular to David Rameau who has embraced the role of ambassador for the Gallery.
As we look forward to the exhibit’s closing event, Because, A Touch of Life, which will feature an evening of storytelling, one thing is certain: the magic of this show will linger long after the final piece is taken home. See you next time!
