Gallery Review: Emily Coan at DIMIN Gallery
By Emma Hapner, March, 27, 2024
“When Philomela begins to weave over the long year of her imprisonment, it is not only her suffering but a specific motive that gives rise to her new use of the loom: to speak to and be heard by her sister. As an instrument that binds and connects, the loom, or its part, the shuttle, re-members or mends what violence tears apart: the bond between the sisters, the woman's power to speak, a form of community and communication.” -Emily Coan
Gathering Webs for Spider Silk, Oil on linen, 60 x 80 in
I recently had the pleasure of visiting DIMIN gallery to see the gorgeous and inspiring work of Emily Coan in her solo exhibition Spider Silk. The series of paintings and drawings is inspired by the tradition of women as storytellers and references the weavers of myths and literature. At the heart of the exhibition lies Coan's profound fascination with spider silk—a material both fragile and resilient. Through her series, Coan invites viewers to contemplate the parallels between spider silk and the intricate threads of the female experience.
Artist Emily Coan
I absolutely love the focus Coan puts on women’s traditional roles historically and how she amplifies the female voice through her own visual fairytales. I find Coan's ability to evoke a profound sense of intimacy and interconnectedness so inspiring. Each piece seemed to whisper secrets of shared experiences, weaving together stories of love, community, and strength.
Spinstresses, Charcoal on paper, 42 x 32 in. (framed)
What resonated with me most about "Spider Silk" was its underlying message of women supporting each other. In a world often marked by division and discord, Coan's work serves as a gentle reminder of the strength that lies in our interconnectedness. Like the resilient strands of a spider's web, we are stronger together than we are apart.
I was also very intrigued by Coan’s process for creating this body of work. She took on the role of director in addition to her typical role as the artist. To create “Spider Silk”, she collaborated with a group of eight women to realize her own fairytale that she had created about a group of sisters gathering spider webs that would be woven into armor.
Eight-Legged Ritual, Charcoal on paper, 32 x 37 in (framed)
In "Spider Silk," Emily Coan emerges not only as a storyteller but also as a visionary artist whose work transcends boundaries and resonates on a profound level. It's a testament to her creative excellence and unwavering commitment to exploring the complexities of the human experience.
As one navigates through the gallery space, Coan's drawings and paintings weave a mesmerizing tapestry of colors and emotions, evoking the mystical allure of the Hudson Valley woods. From the confident brushwork to the traditional yet vibrant palette, each piece radiates with a sense of authenticity and purpose.
The Spring, Oil on linen, 70 x 56 in
Coan's transformative narratives in, "Spider Silk" stand as a captivating testament to the enduring power of art to weave stories that transcend time and space.
