It begins with the space. The original, creaking floors of GRIMM's Tribeca space brings out something special in the viewing of Anthony Cudahy's new solo show Fool's errand (a concurrent show at Hales, Fool's gold, we did not have a chance to see). It adds to the intmacy of the works you are looking at. Cudahy paints emotion and something quite moody, and when you circle the gallery, the floorboards sort of give the feeling that you are trying to quietly not disturb the characters, like you are quite sure if you are supposed to be able to see what is happening in the scenes around you. As the gallery notes, "Throughout his body of work, the artist explores themes of queer identity and intimacy, sourcing his imagery from photo archives, art history, film stills, hagiographic icons, and personal photographs," and this enhances the whole personal experience of seeing these eyes looking back at you. I have always loved GRIMM for these wooden floors, a charming addition to seeing shows there, but for Cudahy's work, it feels like an essential piece of the story. For an artist who continues to grow as a color master and a painter of immense intimacy, this is a must-see show. —Evan Pricco
Anthony Cudahy and a "Fool’s errand"
GRIMM Gallery, NYC // September 06, 2024 - October 19, 2024