The Transformative Power Of Art

Art can be a powerful tool for healing, both for the artist and the observer. It is with this in mind that Southampton Arts Center (SAC) has teamed up with artist Hope Sandrow to host an intimate panel discussion with fellow artists Jeremy Dennis and Cara Lynch on Sunday, December 12, at 3 p.m. The discussion is offered in conjunction with “Clearing The Air,” an exhibition now on view at SAC that examines the healing and transformative power of the arts. The artists will speak about their work, influences, what it means to be an artist on the East End, and the commonalities that led them to participate in this exhibition. This is a free event.

“The relationship of my art to life took form in ‘Memories Spaces Time’ from 1990-2000,” Sandrow said. “The trilogy explored interrelationships of self, art history, and nature: rape, molestation, harassment and discrimination I suffered juxtaposed to representations in historical paintings and sculptures. The primary image was a figure, arms outstretched. The posture reflecting feelings of powerlessness, separated from the ground when subjected to assault.”

A conceptual artist whose multidisciplinary art practice is her way of life, real engagements with the world that inform and direct Sandrow’s artistic vision. In the mediums of still, video, mixed media, installation, sculpture, new media, performance, and social practice, she creates art works representing the natural history of everyday life to regenerate discourse on notions of nature, culture, art, identity, gender, science, history, the politics of power, and myth.

Contemporary fine art photographer, tribal member of Shinnecock Indian Nation, and founder of Ma’s House in Southampton Jeremy Dennis and multidisciplinary artist Cara Lynch, who works in sculpture, installation, and print, will also participate on the panel.

Following a year of unique and unprecedented challenges, “Clearing The Air,” which is curated by Jay Davis, artist and curator of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Ambulatory Care Arts Program, is an exhibition that offers a much-needed sense of community and strength in the time of a global pandemic, political divide, and racial and social injustice.

Registration is required for this indoor event at southamptonartscenter.org/talks. Southampton Arts Center is at 25 Jobs Lane in Southampton. The galleries are open Friday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. through December 19. Call 631-283-0967 for details.