Maske features recent photographs by Phyllis Galembo. Included in the exhibition are sixteen large-scale color prints presenting African and Haitian figures in indigenous masquerade costume. In her recurring travels throughout Africa and the Caribbean over the past thirteen years, Galembo shoots revelers during traditional rituals, rites, ceremonies, and festivals. This exhibition coincides with the release of Galembo’s new book, Maske (Boot, 2010).

Masking is a complex, mysterious and profound tradition in which participants transcend the physical world and enter the spiritual realm. In her vibrant images, Galembo exposes an ornate code of political, artistic, theatrical, social, and religious symbolism and commentary. In these arresting portraits, Galembo investigate the dualities in masquerade: man/god, good/evil, power/oppression, past/future.

Until April 2
Steven Kasher Gallery
521 West 23 Street
New York, NY 10011