Queens artists reflect on pandemic isolation at York College exhibition

A new exhibition at York College features the work of Jamaica-based artists. Photo via Shenna Vaughn

By Rachel Vick

A dozen Queens artists have come together for a virtual art exhibition at York College exploring the effects of a year in states of quarantine.

"Emerging from Isolation - Notes on the Pandemic," organized by the Southeast Queens Artist Alliance, opens Friday at the York College Fine Arts Gallery in Jamaica.

“I believe this is monumental and inspiring to the community,” said artist Shenna Vaughn. “Showing that art is still alive and healing in southeast Queens in spite of the current state of the nation. This is not only a testament but a true show of New York Strong Together.”

Each work explores the different experiences of the participating artists as they cope with the unprecedented health, economic and social crises related to the coronavirus.

Participating artists include Damali Abrams, Natali Bravo-Barbee, Ify Chiejina, Sherese Francis, Jacqueline Herranz Brooks, Marvenia Knight, Rejin Leys, Shervone Neckles, Elizabeth Velazquez, Margaret Rose Vendryes and Lisa D. Wade.

The exhibit runs until Feb. 24.