Novodo Gallery in Jersey City will host a new group exhibition titled Object Permanence, running from May 9 through June 6, 2026. The exhibition, curated by Nicole Basilone and Daniel Morowitz, features a collection of works from 14 artists exploring the boundaries of sensory perception and existence.
Exploring the Phenomenon of Object Permanence
The exhibition centers on the concept of object permanence, described as the understanding that an object continues to exist regardless of whether it can be sensed. Rather than providing definitive answers, the show seeks commonality among diverse visual strategies used by contemporary artists.
The curated works examine how surface, identity, and material construction interact. The gallery serves as both a physical and metaphorical space for a conversation that the curators describe as more of a spiral than a circle, where ideas loop back at changing vantage points.
Diverse Visual Strategies and Artistic Approaches
The exhibition highlights a wide range of techniques. Paige Beeber utilizes mark-making and impasto to approximate New Mexico’s desert landscapes, while Ray Hwang employs an airy glow and a black square to represent the removal of space.
Representation and surrealism also play key roles. Nicole Basilone uses floral patterns and fall colors in a piece titled autumn, and Christl Stringer presents a surreal look at contemporary privilege through images of lobsters walked on leashes.
Other artists focus on the intersection of the mundane and the classical. Sarah Mueller and Emma Hapner present table-scapes inspired by Manet and Matisse, while Song Watkins Park pairs her own body with a cabbage to explore the limits of identity.
Identity, Mythology, and Materiality
The theme of identity is further explored through mythological lenses. Paul Anagnostopoulos places Greek heroes in vulnerable settings, while Daniel Morowitz reimagines a mirror selfie as a colossus, reflecting shifting societal tides.
Materiality is pushed to the forefront in the works of Rachel Cohen, who uses fabric, sequins, and flowers over her paintings, and Judy Giera, whose operate uses pink tones and domestic references to explore femininity.
The exhibition concludes with the work of Christine Romanell, who uses 15 layers of 3/8 inch birch plywood to reconstruct mathematical geometry into objects that exist between painting and sculpture.
Future Implications for the Gallery
As Novodo Gallery continues to present programming designed to challenge conventions, this exhibition may establish a framework for future group shows focusing on intellectual and emotional depth. The gallery’s use of artist talks and panel discussions could further bridge the gap between these complex conceptual themes and the general audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the “Object Permanence” exhibition taking place?
The exhibition runs from May 9 through June 6, 2026, at Novodo Gallery, located at 110 Morgan Street in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Who are the curators and how many artists are involved?
The show is curated by Nicole Basilone and Daniel Morowitz and features the work of 14 artists.
What are the visiting hours for Novodo Gallery?
The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00am to 7:00pm, and Saturdays from 11:00am to 6:00pm, or by appointment.
How does the idea of something existing without being sensed change the way you view the objects in your own daily environment?
