Plato Gallery's latest exhibition, \"Exaltation,\" delves into the concept of modern-day mannerism, presenting a diverse collection of works from eighteen artists. This compelling show, on display in New York, posits that in an age of constant upheaval and transformation, artists are embracing extravagance and heightened emotionality as a form of artistic resilience. By drawing parallels to historical art movements, the exhibition invites viewers to contemplate how past responses to societal shifts resonate with contemporary artistic expressions.
Plato Gallery Hosts \"Exaltation\" Exhibition in the Heart of New York City
In a vibrant display of artistic exploration, the esteemed Plato Gallery, nestled at 202 Bowery in the artistic heart of New York City, has recently launched its highly anticipated group exhibition, titled “Exaltation.” This compelling presentation, which commenced on July 14, 2025, and will continue to enchant art enthusiasts until August 16, 2025, showcases the exceptional talents of eighteen visionary artists.
Curated by the insightful gallerist Elena Platonova, “Exaltation” serves as a profound meditation on the enduring legacy of Mannerism, reinterpreting its core principles within the dynamic context of the 21st century. The exhibition draws striking parallels between our contemporary moment of rapid change and the tumultuous 16th-century Italian period that birthed Mannerism, when artists responded to the fallout of events like the Sack of Rome with bold, often exaggerated, aesthetic choices. Similarly, the Rococo movement in pre-revolutionary France, characterized by its ornate and playful style, emerged as an artistic response to an era of opulence and pending societal shifts.
Platonova illuminates how today’s artists, much like their historical counterparts, channel the ambiguities and intensities of modern life into artworks brimming with clashing colors, rich, dissonant forms, baroque textures, and surreal, evocative lighting. Through paintings, mixed-media installations, and sculptures, the exhibition invites viewers to witness art history through a kaleidoscopic contemporary lens. Notable pieces include Alic Brock's works, which evoke the spirit of Teresa de Lempicka’s Parisian and ancient Roman influences; Jacob Rochester’s interpretations, channeling the dramatic chiaroscuro of Caravaggio through his portrayal of a sitting boxer; and Takura Suzuki’s ingenious ode to Dutch still-life, infused with the luminous glow of Mandarin light signs. This remarkable collection not only celebrates artistic expression but also offers a timely reflection on art’s role as a mirror to human experience amidst the ebb and flow of history.
As we navigate an era of unprecedented information flow and fleeting fame, “Exaltation” reminds us that art often finds its most potent expression amidst uncertainty. The exhibition provocatively suggests that embracing emotional intensity and artistic excess can be a powerful act of defiance and a celebration of life itself, echoing Elena Platonova’s poignant observation that, in a world where the future is always in flux, to live with heightened emotion and style is a choice beyond judgment.