fractured witness
By david cohen

Susanna Coffey Flag 2001 oil on panel, 8 x 12 inches Private Collection (c) The Artist Courtesy of Tibor de Nagy Gallery	NEXT SLIDE
A typical Coffey places the artist's own features (recognizable to a greater or lesser degree) hieratically center stage. In this, one of the earliest images in the show, the background is of gathering storm clouds - or is it camouflage? Her brazen gaze could equally be of defiance or of avid attention.  The sense of intensified scrutiny adds weight to a sense of the artist as moral witness.

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Exhibitions under review

Susanna Coffey: SInce 2001
at the New York Studio School
November 6 to December 20, 2008

Martha Rosler: Great Powers
at Mitchell-Innes & Nash
September 6 to October 11, 2008

Eyal Danieli: in the mood for love
at Elizabeth Harris Gallery
October 10 to November 8, 2008

Alexey Kallima: Chechen Women's Team of Parachute Jumping and its Virtual Fans
at Lehmann Maupin
September 4 to October 18, 2008