Andrew Ross: Cursed Leadership

Cursed Leadership

In the intricate web of postmodern existence, we encounter a curious duality often referred to as ‘paralysis.’ This condition characterizes a societal state that oscillates between two poles: complacency, where individuals may remain inert and disengaged, and gullible readiness, wherein an uncritical receptivity to external influences prevails. Within this milieu, a new breed of influencer-mentor-thought leader has risen to prominence, marking a distinct departure from the traditional experts and pundits of the Enlightenment era, each adhering to their own set of criteria. When examined through the discerning lens of post-structuralist analysis, or any critical framework that challenges established notions of meaning and knowledge, these contemporary public figures reveal themselves as enigmatic entities. Perhaps born from the innate language of broadcasting images via television, they remain deeply entwined with the archetypal mentors and guides of human history. The transformation of this archetype, a process akin to the alchemical transmutation of matter through various states, lies at the core of the works featured in ‘Cursed Leadership.’ The representation of this archetype through several states of matter allows the sculptures to reveal their wisdom, follies, and charisma, defining the ever-evolving landscape of leadership and influence in our modern age.

Andrew Ross is our Windgate Artist in Residence during the Fall of 2023.

Bio. Andrew Ross (b. 1989, Miami, FL) is a multimedia artist based in New York. Solo exhibitions of Ross’ work have been held at Kai Matsumiya Fine Arts Gallery (NY), Clima Gallery (Milan, Italy), False Flag (NY), American Medium (NY), Signal Gallery (NY), Heimbold Visual Art Center at Sarah Lawrence College (NY), and the Gelb Gallery at Phillips Andover Academy (Andover, MA). His work has been featured in group exhibitions at The Drawing Center (NY), Artists Space (NY), The Studio Museum of Harlem (NY), Greene Naftali (NY), and the Hessel Museum (Annandale-On-Hudson, NY). Ross has attended numerous residencies and fellowships including Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture (Skowhegan, ME), Atelier Mondial (Basel, Switzerland), International Studio & Curatorial Program, (Brooklyn, NY), and Triangle Arts Association (Brooklyn, NY). Ross’ work has been reviewed in Artforum, Art in America, Cultured, Flash Art, Mousse, and the Brooklyn Rail.