BIOSPHERES

HOT•BED is pleased to present Biospheres, a collaborative exhibition by visual artists, Marguerita Hagan and Ana Vizcarra Rankin. Curated by James Oliver Gallery, Biospheres is a conversation about the extraordinary complexities of the known universe. Though each artist works within a different medium (drawings, paintings, mixed media and ceramic sculptures), they each make art that seeks to visualize what has enabled life to thrive for eons. The dynamic spirit of their work gives a visual voice to the wonder, responsibility and necessity of interconnected life. Biospheres is open by appointment and limited walk-ins from March 20 through May 8, 2021, with an opening reception on March 20th from 6-9 pm.

Both Hagan and Rankin explore a wide and complex range of biologic, geographic and experiential diversity within their individual practices. Inspired by their mutual work with the Climate Collective, an environmentally-focused nonprofit, Biospheres marks the first time these artists will be exhibiting together. While the artists did not collaboratively produce the works together, several of the new works are particularly warranted to each other, as they were catalyzed through the sharing of ideas. Works of saturated extroverted color thoughtfully rest in balance with meditative works in pale and whispering hues, and holistically reveal and honor all of our worldly surroundings: space, sky, land and water.

For Biospheres, Hagan is exhibiting a new ceramic sculpture series, Flora, a branch of her ongoing Wildlife work inspired by nature’s ingenious design that provides life for us all. New works from her La Mer series will also be on view, which explores ocean life, from exquisite microorganisms to the mighty blue whale and its symbiotic relationships and systems. The magnitude of humans’ impact on the environment is massive and has caused devastating damage. Hagan’s Flora and Fauna Wildlife shields play on the idea of a family crest and protection as we teeter on the edge of this ecological precipice. Like an eye or a focus of a lens, the shields reflect our powerful role and reciprocal responsibility to our world.

For Biospheres, Rankin looks to the sky for inspiration. Rankin’s monumental star maps are created from naked-eye stargazing experiences, combined with data gathered by powerful telescopes and other mediating technologies. These visualization technologies have also informed a mesmerizing fresh view of the world map, which focuses on the oceans. Rankin’s new dispersion drawings delicately chart otherworldly subjects such as the Crab Nebula or a field of anemones seen from above. Rankin gives viewers a macro glance at the biodiverse themes found within the exhibition, both in terms of focus and point of view. She reminds us that “in the extraordinary complexity of our known universe, our planet stands as the unique example of a living ecosystem”.

Biodiversity is the key that allows life on Earth to thrive. Greater biodynamic diversity creates a healthier and more sustainable community and a more robust, stable environment. Whether a coral reef, forest, neighborhood or entire planet, Biospheres intends to inspire and create new and renewable perspectives and offers a mutual reminder that there is nothing to fear and everything to honor and hold sacred in the search to regain balance in the Grand Universe.

Due to COVID-19, HOT•BED is appointment only; however, walk-ins are allowed and dependent on the number of people in the space at the time.

To make your appointment today, please reserve HERE. For more information on upcoming exhibitions and events, please visit https://www.hotbedphilly.com/ or Instagram and Facebook at @hotbedphilly.

About Marguerita Hagan

Marguerita Hagan is a ceramic sculptor based in Philadelphia. She is an advocate for the thriving of all life in mutually sustainable communities and environments. The concept of interdependence plays throughout her sculpture, teaching and community arts. Throughout her career, Hagan has brought to light the beauty and engineering of our planet’s diverse ecosystems and our powerful role as stewards. At this climacteric time of change, her work focuses on the largest and essential element on earth, the ocean from its micro to macro scale. The intricate ceramic forms shine light on the wonder and respect for the fragile, diverse life of the sea with which our lives are intrinsically linked. Hagan’s practice is an ongoing discovery, magnifying our awareness, reciprocal responsibility and protection of each other and our planet. She received her MFA from Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and her BFA in Ceramics at James Madison University. Her projects include collaborations with artists, scientists and community, environmental art-science residencies, lectures and exhibits nationally and internationally.

About Ana Vizcarra Rankin

Ana Vizcarra Rankin makes art about mapping, travel and the phenomenology of being in and of the universe. Her work ranges from monumental canvases to delicate, diminutive works, and considers events that occur in subatomic spacetime all the way to global and cosmic perspectives. Born in Uruguay and raised in both South and North America, Rankin works and lives in Philadelphia. She received her MFA from Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and BA in art history from Temple University. Rankin has exhibited extensively, and her work is held in numerous private and public collections, including Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Brandywine River Museum of Art, Uruguay Cultural Foundation for the Arts, Peoria Riverfront Museum, Brooklyn Art Library, and Print Council of Australia. Ana participated in the first TrueQue Artist Residency in Ayampe Ecuador, was a Barnes Artist in Residence in Umbertide Italy, and is the founder of BrobDinGnag International, a curatorial incubator focused on diversity and inclusion.

About HOT•BED

Established in 2017, HOT•BED is a gallery and creative lifestyle space in Philadelphia that unites art, horticulture, and design. Founded by Bryan Hoffman, a design visionary, and James Oliver, an established gallerist, HOT•BED is a catalyst and a conduit for futures not yet realized. It’s a gathering place, not unlike the Paris Salons of the Nineteenth century, where visitors and artists alike have the opportunity to collaborate, exhibit, and explore new ideas in a welcoming and judgment-free environment.