BAM Art Advisory, an independent contemporary art consultancy headed by Brooke Molinaroli, launches Thresholds of Abstraction, the third edition of its Art in the Yard outdoor art series, on September 29 - October 5, 2023. The 2023 exhibition, at one of Larchmont Manor’s historic houses, just a stroll to the village’s waterfront, follows two successful exhibitions: Women Artists Breaking Out and Outside In: Textures and Abstractions. More than 1,200 people attended in 2021 and 2022. 

“The Art in the Yard series pushes the paradigm of the white box gallery to explore new ways to present art in a home and adjacent outdoor spaces,” Molinaroli said. “I love the challenge of staging a new show every year, building on past successes, activating different outdoor spaces, and showcasing new artists.”

Created in collaboration with Stephen Moser and his architecture/design studio, the group show includes a range of abstract works by museum-quality artists. Thresholds of Abstraction is organized around the idea of threshold—as a point of entry, beginning, or tipping point. Art is displayed throughout the 19th century home, including interior first floor, garage, bucolic yard, and large wrap-around porch, with the porch mediating as threshold between indoors and outdoors. Bold abstract painting, texture, geometric minimalism, still life, and soft landscape all have their place in the exhibition. Each doorway or entryway functions as a threshold, leading to a new experience in abstraction: from dynamic works bearing no resemblance to anything recognizable to others that hew more closely to representation. The show includes contemporary artists who have been featured by BAMart in the past as well as artists who are new to it.

As in the previous editions of Art in the Yard, Stephen Moser Architects (SMA) has designed the installation. The focal point of the design, like last year, is a diaphanous scrim that wraps around the porch. The newly-conceived scrim functions as marquee, light filter (to protect art), and reflects this show’s dialogue with the concept of thresholds. Box-like walls created by SMA are repurposed, leading visitors through the exhibition spaces. Work is also exhibited on the patio spaces and in the garage. Outdoor sculptures activate the graceful lawn. At night, the walls gently glow, lighting up the landscape, house and art—and creating magical thresholds.

Featured artists come from the NYC area, Los Angeles, Kansas City, and beyond:

Ky Anderson, Frances Ashforth, Paige Beeber, John Clement, Jocelyn Fine, Rose Frisenda, Jefferson Hayman, Sarah Hinckley, Hue Thi Hoffmaster, Mirena Kim, Justin N. Kim, Elena Lyakir, Peter Margonelli, Kate Petley, Vicki Sher, Dora Somosi, Julia von Eichel, Jean Wolff, Zarebinski. Artists will be present at the show to talk about their work with patrons and guests.

Thresholds of Abstraction explores an exciting and varied collection of abstract art by 19 contemporary artists. Paintings, works on paper, photography and sculpture are presented in a home environment (from living room and kitchen to porch and yard) to create the experience of living with art as opposed to seeing it in the white box of a gallery.