‘Unnoticed’ artists get their due in LIC exhibition

Artists based in Queens and beyond will showcase work in Long Island City this January. Photo courtesy of ART BreakOUT.

By Victoria Merlino

An arts organization whose mission is to provide a platform for marginalized artists will open its first public exhibition in Long Island City this January. 

ART BreakOUT’s “Unbound: Authentic Visions and Voices” will feature to work of over two dozen artists from South American, the Middle East, the Caribbean and more as they explore themes and styles outside of the mainstream art world.

“Working independently outside mainstream Western culture, a broad range of talented artists remains relatively unnoticed,” ART BreakOUT writes on its website. “Some are self-taught; some are emotionally or physically challenged, and others simply choose to work outside standard cultural norms.  It is the mission of ART BreakOUT to provide opportunities for these artists to share their skills and visions with others – both online and in varied settings.”

The works will touch on themes like identity, cultural heritage, loss, dislocation, hope, healing and resistance. Queens-based artists like Issa Ibrahim, Susan Spangenberg, John Tursi, Frank Boccio, Peter Stefanides and Moriah Ressler will all have work on display. 

The show, which will begin with a reception on Jan. 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and continue to Feb. 27, is curated by Bonnie Astor and Lois Stavksy. The show will be held at The Local NYC, located at 1302 44th Avenue.