The Invisible Dog is thrilled to present Dog Show #2: Odds of Continuation, a solo exhibition by artist Stephen Morrison at The Armory Show.
During his previous show, Dog Show #1: The Dinner Party, Morrison, like many artists, grappled with constant questions about his future plans for his practice. These persistent questions seemed to him to be driven by a public with an endless appetite for novel ideas, imagery, and content. Morrison, too, felt the nagging urge to constantly ask himself, "What's next?" Responding to this state of internal and external pressure, Morrison has created an installation that takes shape with two connected, central elements. One aspect showcases a series of paintings that offer a glimpse into his inner dialogue, playfully satirizing his own worries and insecurities through self-portraits-as-dogs. Concurrently, external expectations manifest as disinterested human-sized dog people interacting with the paintings—a pensive and judgmental collector, a disengaged gallerist, and inexperienced art handlers—effectively downplaying the significance of his artistic crisis.
The presentation of anxieties in each meticulously staged painting is so extreme that they simultaneously validate and gently mock the perceived external scrutiny and self-critical introspection that Morrison experienced. Even the caustic attitude of people occupying the booth turns into a comical farce when transformed into dogs. By turning the tables on his psyche, Morrison repositions his anxious brain into something in which to find a dark humor.
About Stephen Morrison
Stephen Morrison was born in Maine in 1991. He earned his BFA from the Laguna College of Art . His work has been exhibited in numerous group shows, most recently at Hashimoto Contemporary, Wassaic Project, and Lauren Powell Projects. This is his second solo exhibition and collaboration with The Invisible Dog Art Center.
Website: www.stephenmorrisonstudio.com
Instagram: @dogsihavepainted
Stephen Morrison at The Invisible Dog
2019: Friend of a Friend
2021: Ahlan Wa Sahlan
2021: Dog Show #1: The Dinner Party
2022: Nafas
On View
September 7–10, 2023
at The Armory Show
Admission
Reserve tickets
Location
Javits Center
429 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001 (Map)
Hours
VIP Preview
Invitation Only
Thursday, September 7
Friday, September 8 | 11am–7pm
Saturday, September 9 | 11am–7pm
Sunday, September 10 | 11am–6pm