Gallery Review: Oh For Goodness Snake! at LATITUDE
By Emma Hapner, January 28, 2025
I recently had the pleasure of viewing "Oh For Goodness Snake!", a duo show at LATITUDE Gallery in Chinatown, NY featuring the work of two Miami based artists, Susan Kim Alvarez and Cici McMonigle. The show highlights the unique, yet harmonious styles of the two artists, whose colorful paintings are intermingled throughout the space. The show was curated by Heike Dempster and designed to align with the Lunar New Year in celebration of the Year of the Snake. This stunning exhibition delves into themes of transformation, renewal, and interconnectedness, drawing on the profound symbolism of the snake in the Chinese zodiac.
LATITUDE Gallery New York, founded in 2020 by renowned artist and entrepreneur Shihui Zhou, has quickly established itself as a leading contemporary art space. Dedicated to spotlighting innovative works from emerging Asian diaspora artists, the gallery fosters a dynamic environment where diverse voices can thrive. With a commitment to showcasing visionary talent, LATITUDE provides a global platform for fresh perspectives and cutting-edge artistry. Every show I have attended here has been thoughtfully curated and beautifully presented. Shihui is also welcoming and kind, always offering insightful commentary on the artwork and artists.
Oh For Goodness Snake! is an incredibly cohesive exhibition, which may be due to the fact that the artists are childhood friends. Susan and Cici, who flew in from Miami for the opening, shared that they are great friends, roomates, and studiomates! They even painted portraits of eachother for the show, a beautiful and endearing tribute to their friendship.
Alvarez and McMonigle blend their deep-rooted bond and artistic synergy to craft pieces that combine humor, emotional resonance, and the surreal. Inspired by fables, family tales, and personal memories, their artwork invites viewers into a dreamlike realm where reality and imagination seamlessly intertwine. It's clear that the two inspire eachother, but the works are still very distinct.
Cici McMonigle, Lion Frolicking, 2024, Oil on canvas, 9 x 12 in
Both painters masterfully weave their diverse cultural heritages into their captivating artworks, creating dynamic, thought-provoking pieces that invite viewers to explore a rich tapestry of myth, memory, and identity. Alvarez’s Cuban, Vietnamese, and Jewish roots inform her vibrant landscapes, where miniature figures and scenes intertwine with humor and introspection. Drawing inspiration from traditions like the Lunar New Year Lion Dance, her layered compositions blend personal memories with cultural symbolism, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of past and present. Meanwhile, McMonigle’s half-Chinese, half-American background shines through in her fantastical creatures, which reflect the complexities of growing up in South Florida’s underrepresented Asian community. Her surreal yet relatable characters invite viewers into imaginative realms, where multicultural experiences and creative storytelling merge seamlessly. Both artists demonstrate how heritage and personal history can shape narrative, creating works that are not only visually striking but also deeply resonant.
Susan Kim Alvarez, Hot! Hot! Hot!, 2024, Acrylic on Canvas, 40 x 50 in
If you haven’t yet seen Oh For Goodness Snake! at LATITUDE Gallery, make sure to stop by before it closes on February 26th. This mesmerizing exhibition offers a profound exploration of identity, heritage, and personal mythology, all while beautifully celebrating the bonds of friendship.
Featured:
LATITUDE GALLERY
IG: @latitudegallery_newyork
Website: https://latitudegallery.art/
Susan Kim Alvarez
IG: @lil_suzi_uzi
Website:
Cici McMonigle
IG: @cici_mcm
Website: https://www.cicimcm.com/
