CURRENT & Upcoming EXHIBITIONS
Threads of Resilience
A Mental Health Exhibition​
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On View: April 24-June 1 during gallery hours, Thursday & Friday, 5-9pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 2-9pm
Curated by Dawn DeVito, each piece in this exhibition serves as a visual thread, contributing to a rich tapestry that explores the complexities of the human experience. From expressions of inner turmoil to representations of vulnerability and recovery, the artwork offers poignant insights into the multifaceted nature of mental well-being.
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"Threads of Resilience" champions the voices of a diverse group of artists, each bringing their unique cultural backgrounds and lived experiences to the conversation. Their art transcends stigma, fostering empathy and understanding while celebrating the inherent resilience of the human spirit. This exhibition invites viewers to connect with these deeply personal stories, to find solace in shared experiences, and to recognize the strength that emerges from navigating life's challenges. Take a journey as we unravel the threads of resilience and illuminate the path towards greater awareness and acceptance.
Cuerpos De Nopal
by Manuel Hernandez
Opening Reception: April 24, 6-9pm
Free Admission. Beer, wine, food and live music!
On View April 24 - June 1 during gallery hours Thursday & Friday, 5-9pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 2-9pm.
This series of works by Manuel Hernandez delves into a common saying in Mexico, where individuals are often referred to as "Cactus face." ​This term is typically used to distinguish those from rural areas or individuals with more indigenous features, carrying a negative connotation. However, the artist transforms this by creating a cactus person, celebrating their existence. His Family origins coming from the small pueblo Sultepequito, Hernandez takes pride in his roots and traditions. The Cacti series presents a playful and engaging approach to reinterpreting these negative implications. The cacti are shown in every day situations that most people can relate to. Much like the cacti, the people they represent are resilient and vital to the ecosystem.
[Un]Framing Gender
From America to Pakistan
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On View: June 5 - July 27 during gallery hours, Thursday & Friday, 5-9pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 2-9pm.
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Opening Reception: Thursday, June 5, 6-9pm
Free Admission. Beer, wine, food and live music.
[Un]Framing Gender invites viewers to traverse the intricate terrains of gender identity, culture, and self-expression through the artistic lens.
This dynamic exhibition brings together a diverse group of artists from South Asia and America, showcasing innovative works that reflect the shifting landscapes of masculinity and femininity in contemporary society.
The show is a curatorial collaboration by Tess Howsam (Artistic Director, Culture Lab LIC, America) and Pomme Gohar (Creative Director, Phenomena, Pakistan).
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Through painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, each piece challenges conventional narratives and stimulates dialogue about the roles and perceptions of gender in both regions. Building from the 2022 exhibition, 'Zenana Mardana', curated by Pomme Gohar, [Un]Framing Gender offers a vibrant space for conversation and introspection, encouraging audiences to reconsider the intersections of culture, power, and personal expression transcending geographical boundaries and challenging cultural stereotypes.
Pass the Crown
Voices & Memory
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On view June 5 - July 27 during gallery hours, Thursday & Friday, 5-9pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 2-9pm.
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Opening Reception: June 5, 6-9pm. Beer, wine, food and live music. Free Admission.
Pass the Crown: Voices & Memory is an interactive media installation exploring dementia, memory, and legacy within communities of color. Expanding on the Pass the Crown photo portrait series, the project was inspired by the artist Pri’s late grandmother, who had dementia and wore a crown in the final photo portrait taken of her by the artist. That crown became a symbol of resilience, memory, and dignity. That very same crown is now passed from model to model within the Pass the Crown photo series, with each model impacted by dementia, representing the continuation of their stories. Drawing from over a decade of experience as a dementia caregiver of both her grandmother and aunt, the artist creates an interactive experience that invites audiences to engage with personal histories.
The installation features five large-scale editorial portraits, each framed with symbolic materials reflecting the subject’s life. An interactive timeline highlights key moments, while Augmented Reality (AR) allows visitors to unlock deeper layers of each story through images, audio, and personal artifacts. Pass the Crown: Voices & Memory honors the strength, wisdom, and love that endure beyond memory loss, preserving the legacies of those affected and inspiring conversations about care, connection, and the power of storytelling.
Fine Art At Culture Lab LIC
Culture Lab LIC is a nonprofit art gallery providing a full calendar of monthly exhibitions by emerging and mid-career artists working in visual, installation, interactive, digital and video art. Our exhibitions are often complemented by a diverse series of multidisciplinary performances as well as artist talks, panel discussions & workshops. Culture Lab LIC collaborates with local organizations, individual artists and curators to bring in new ideas, develop cohesive monthly programming and participatory events, with a goal of promoting the cultural growth of our community.
Currently Culture Lab LIC programs between 20 - 36 exhibitions annually with an average of over 1000 visitors monthly, and does not take a commission from the art we sell. Per our mission statement, all proceeds from the sale of art exhibited at Culture Lab LIC goes back to the artist.
Our programming is unique because of the proposal structure we work with as well as our open-door policy towards community volunteers and outside organizations seeking space for different projects. For almost all the exhibitions we have an “Open Call” where all artists have the opportunity to submit their artwork for consideration.
Our team works hard to bring thoughtful, beautiful and groundbreaking programming to Queens.
