▲ The portrait of the artist ⓒ ARARIO GALLERY

ARARIO GALLERY SEOUL is proud to announce the first solo exhibition in Korea by Gisela McDaniel, titled "All These Parts Make Up Me," running from July 10 (Wednesday) to August 17 (Saturday), 2024. McDaniel, a diasporic CHamoru artist with maternal roots in Guam, currently resides and works in New York City. Her artistic vision is deeply rooted in her identity, aiming to create comprehensive portraits of historically marginalized individuals.

She utilizes images, objects, and sound to vividly capture the essence of her subject-collaborators on canvas. The exhibition will showcase a total of 11 artworks, including 10 paintings intricately combined with objects and sound, alongside one standalone piece. These pieces will be displayed across the ground floor and basement of the gallery. 

▲ Compassion, 2023 Oil on canvas, object and text on paper from subject-collaborator, sound, 132.1x177.8x15.2cm ⓒ Gisela Mcdaniel, ARARIO GALLERY

McDaniel initiates her creative process with intimate conversations with her subject-collaborators, fostering mutual empathy and understanding of their lived experiences. The recorded voices from these dialogues serve as integral elements within her artworks, complementing the visual narrative.

Her approach to depicting the natural form of the body is influenced by her mother, a CHamoru scholar and activist, who instilled in her the belief that "our bodies are good, and above all, they are ours." This philosophy resonates throughout her dynamic and liberating portrayals. 

▲ The installation view of the exhibition ⓒ ARARIO GALLERYMcDaniel's artworks integrate personal belongings and the voices of her subject-collaborators, offering a synesthetic portrayal of their diverse narratives. Through vibrant colors and the resonant voices of her subjects, she emphasizes the distinctiveness and individuality of each person.

She refers to the personal items contributed by her collaborators as 'consensual artifacts,' ranging from keys and necklaces to hair and gel nails. These artifacts not only reflect everyday life but also subtly unveil personal histories and cultural backgrounds.

Born in 1995 in Bellevue, Nebraska, McDaniel earned her BFA in Art & Design from the University of Michigan in 2019. Currently, she is participating in the Art Explora Residency in Paris and has been selected for the upcoming Hawaii Triennial 2025. Her solo exhibitions have been hosted at prestigious venues including ARARIO GALLERY SEOUL, Pilar Corrias in London, and The Mistake Room in Los Angeles.

▲ The installation view of the exhibition ⓒ ARARIO GALLERYHer artworks have been prominently featured in group exhibitions at renowned institutions such as Kunsthalle Düsseldorf, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, FLAG Art Foundation, and ICA Boston. McDaniel's works are housed in esteemed collections worldwide, including the Baltimore Museum of Art, Frye Art Museum, ICA Miami, and Pérez Art Museum.

Visitors to this exhibition will have the unique opportunity to engage with McDaniel's innovative approach to art, which intricately weaves together complex identities, histories, and cultural narratives from marginalized communities.

Sayart / Sayart, sayart2022@gmail.com