You are reading

‘The Art of Solitude’ exhibition to feature diverse, underrepresented artists at The Local in LIC this September

The Tigress by Dominican artist MIlka Montero. One of the many works at the upcoming "Art of Solitude" exhibition. Credit: ART BreakOUT

“The Tigress,” by Dominican artist MIlka Montero. It is one of the many works at the upcoming “Art of Solitude” exhibition. Photo courtesy of ART BreakOUT

Aug. 27, 2024 By Shane O’Brien

ART BreakOUT, a platform for artists from underrepresented backgrounds, will host a month-long exhibition at the Local NY next month, showcasing dozens of marginalized and predominately self-taught artists.

“The Art of Solitude” will run at the Local NY, located at 13-02 44th Ave. in Long Island City, from Sep. 10 until Oct. 6, featuring works in a variety of styles from more than two dozen artists from different cultures, geographies and generations.

The exhibition, co-curated by ART BreakOUT co-founders Lois Stavsky and Bonnie Astor, deals with the theme of solitude and how it is undervalued by modern-day society.

“There’s been all this emphasis on community, community, community,” Stavsky said. “I felt that solitude was undervalued and I wanted to see how people perceived it.”

The exhibition features a maximum of two works per artist, with some pieces displaying a figurative interpretation of solitude and others taking a more abstract approach.

Photo courtesy of ART BreakOUT

Among the highlights of the exhibition are Jackson Heights-based artists Issa Ibrahim’s endearing landscape of a solitary man, Fountain House Gallery artist Susan Spangenberg’s depiction of a lone cat rendered by upcycled fabrics and a deftly-fashioned feline by the Dominican artist Milka Montero.

Stavsky noted that the exhibition includes works by artists from a non-traditional background, including young children, developmentally disabled people and people with mental health conditions.

She spoke of the importance of highlighting artists from underrepresented backgrounds, stating that she is excited about giving artists who work on the margins of the art community an opportunity to shine.

“Artists who are represented in more traditional settings have a lot of resources that these artists don’t have,” Stavsky said. “They may be living on a trust fund or have partners to promote them. Many of the artists [taking part in the Art of Solitude] don’t have those advantages.”

Photo courtesy of ART BreakOUT

The Art of Solitude exhibition will launch with an opening reception on Tuesday, Sep. 10, from 6-8 p.m., with the exhibition available on a 24/7 basis thereafter.

Some of the artists will be on hand at various times throughout the exhibition to explain their pieces, Stavsky said.

While the exhibition champions the notion of solitude over community, Stavsky hopes that members of the local LIC community will come out and support the dozens of artists showcased in the event.

“I would love for the community to engage with this exhibition, but I also want people to value the notion of solitude.

“I like the idea that people who don’t necessarily go to galleries get to see the art.”

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Finding Room to Grow: NYC Apartment Buildings Designed with Families in Mind

Jul. 29, 2025 By Tara Lustberg

Finding family-friendly housing in NYC can be a challenge, especially with the average rent of a two-bedroom apartment in NYC averaging over $5,400 per month, according to apartments.com. According to reports, this is significantly higher (148%) than the national average and has increased by 7% since December 2023. But some properties offer thoughtful amenities for families, making city living seem more manageable.

Borough President recommends approval of One LIC Neighborhood Plan with conditions

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced on Monday a long list of recommendations to approve the city’s One LIC Neighborhood Plan with conditions.

The sweeping proposal entered the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) in April, following certification by the City Planning Commission, and aims to transform a large portion of Long Island City with new zoning rules that would create nearly 14,700 housing units—including 4,300 affordable homes—alongside 14,400 jobs, over 3.5 million square feet of commercial and industrial space and expanded access to the East River waterfront.

Cool off this summer with margaritas in Queens

Jul. 25, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The summer season ushers in outdoor adventures, extended daylight hours and sweltering heat, making it the perfect time to kick back at a local restaurant or bar and order a refreshing margarita. Sipping on this tequila-infused cocktail is one of the best ways to beat the heat and revel with margarita connoisseurs in your neighborhood.