Second Street Gallery is pleased to present Out of Context, a group exhibition curated by NYC-based artist Paul Brainard, in the Main Gallery from October 4 - November 22, 2024. This exhibition features the work of Paul Brainard, Miriam Carothers, Hyunjin Park, Jean-Pierre Roy, Michael Ryan, and Amber Stanton.

There will be no First Friday in October 2024. Please join Second Street Gallery for November’s First Friday Exhibition Reception on Friday, November 1 from 5-7:30PM, where we will be joined by exhibiting artists from the exhibition. Save the date and learn more HERE.

Out of Context revolves around the idea that an artwork should have the autonomy to exist and relate to viewers on its own terms, without the interference of descriptive or theoretical text that might shape its interpretation. The exhibition thus emphasizes visual art's inherent ability to communicate as a unique language. The featured artists in Out of Context express themselves primarily through painting and drawing, placing figurative art within the context of contemporary existence. Every artist's work differs, from their methods to the resulting images, and consequently creates distinct contexts. Besides individual dissimilarities, more formal themes create visual links between the artists, constructing a cohesive narrative across their diverse works. Out of Context seeks to challenge conventional ways of understanding visual art.

By stripping away overlying philosophies and pretentious explanations, Out of Context returns the focus to the inherent expressiveness of visual art—allowing audiences to engage with the artworks personally and profoundly.

This exhibition is generously sponsored by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.