Karen Mainenti

Visual artist uncovering humor in the tyranny of perfection.

[kmainenti]

Thank you Hyperallergic @hyperallergic and @billyanania @valentina.diliscia and @elainevelie for featuring @footnoteprojects and my new paintings of New Jersey malls in the article "Eight New Art Spaces to Visit in Brooklyn." @sashachav and I are thrilled to be included in this roundup of art spaces in Brooklyn! #hyperallergic #footnote #footnoteprojects #footnoteprojectspace #gardenstate #newjerseyart #deadmalls @artsgowanus #keepgowanuscreative #karenmainenti (at 543 Union Artists LLC 543 Union) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnPyYa5urZq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kmainenti]

Happy new year! I’m thrilled to have paintings from my new Garden State mall series part of @deannaevansprojects new platform, Trove, an online destination for great, affordable small artworks and works on paper from the best emerging artists. Trove evolved from many years of DEP's successful online flat file, and is a unique opportunity to collect work straight from an artist's studio. TROVE is now live! All works are available to purchase directly online. Link in my bio. Three paintings from my new series are available to purchase. All framed in a simple black frame. The Fireplace, Rt. 17 North 2022 Flashe on panel 9.125 x 11.125 in framed $650 Abraham & Straus, The Mall at Short Hills 2022 Flashe on panel 12.25 x 16.25 in framed $900 Sterns, Bergen Mall Flashe on Panel 12 x 15.125in $800 #deannaevansprojects #deptrove #flatfile #emergingartists #emergingart #gardenstate #mallpaintings #paramusnjmalls #hardlinepainting #vintagecolors #architecturepainting #deadmalls #karenmainenti #sterns #bergenmall #fireplace #themallatshorthills #abrahamandstraus (at Deanna Evans Projects) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm7WGgXOTiZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kmainenti]

Join me—the new Board Chair of @artsgowanus — in supporting our organization on #GivingTuesday! Be a part of the driving force that keeps artists in this community and helps them thrive. Donate link in my bio. Image of the community mural created by our Executive Director @johnny50001 and Programs Director @emilychiavelli with me as the jumping figure! #artsgowanus #keepgowanuscreative #givingtuesday #brooklynart #makeadifference #ilovethearts #boardchair #communitymural #gowanus (at TI Art Studios) https://www.instagram.com/p/CljkETSubbG/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kmainenti]

Come out this Saturday 10/29 from 1-4pm to see my new paintings in “Malls of America” @footnoteprojects Posted @withrepost • @footnoteprojects We’ll be open this Sat 10/29 from 1-4pm, if you missed “Malls of America” during Gowanus Open Studios weekend. 543 Union Street, Ring Buzzer 1F Also visit @ellayangstudio next door who will be showing her paintings of Tuscany and Umbria from residencies in 2019 and 2017. A treat for those who are more familiar with her work of the local neighborhood! And make a day of it by stopping by the nearby @gowanusdredgers boathouse at 165 2nd St to see “Renewal” curated by @arthagnyc a group exhibition featuring artists who have been displaced from their workspaces in Gowanus or are unable to maintain studios in the rapidly changing neighborhood. Learn more at www.footnoteproject.org #footnoteprojects #footnoteprojectspace #mallsofamerica #artpoetica #forgottenhistory @footnoteprojects #phillipbuehler #karenmainenti #shoppingmalls #photography #paintings #gos #gowanusopenstudios #deadmalls #gos2022 @sashachav #artsgowanus, #gos2022, #gowanusopenstudios2022 #keepgowanuscreative (at 543 Union Artists LLC 543 Union) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkPN9nusXk8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kmainenti]

Thank you to everyone who came out this weekend and to experience Gowanus Open Studios: old and new collectors, friends, art appreciators, curators, press, and shopping mall lovers! But especially to @artsgowanus for making it possible, and @_johnnythornton and @emilychiavelli for their tireless work for us. Thank you also to my good friend and collaborator @sashachav at @footnoteprojects #openstudios #gos2022 #mallsofamerica #thankyou #footnoteprojectspace #gowanusopenstudios2022 #keepgowanuscreative (at 543 Union Artists LLC 543 Union) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj1JmqTLLXN/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kmainenti]

Gowanus Open Studios is here! Sat October 15 - Sun October 16, 12-6pm. This year, come see me at Footnote, where I will be showing my new work in the exhibition “Malls of America” with paintings that isolate the architecture and signage of my native New Jersey stores and highways, uncovering the beauty hidden in the often-maligned suburban landscape. Footnote 543 Union Street, #1F, Brooklyn, NY I will be sharing my studio with one of my favorite Gowanus artists, Liza Domingues (@liza.domingues ), so stop by to see my work alongside her brightly colored, energetic paintings, tridimensional wood pieces and sculptural works. TI Art Studios at Cube Smart, Studio #57 183 Lorraine Street, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn NY Visit Arts Gowanus @artsgowanus for maps, artist directory and more info. #footnoteprojects #footnoteprojectspace #mallsofamerica #forgottenhistory @footnoteprojects #phillipbuehler #karenmainenti #shoppingmalls #photography #paintings #gos #gowanusopenstudios #deadmalls #gos2022 @sashachav #artsgowanus #gos2022, #gowanusopenstudios2022 #keepgowanuscreative (at TI Art Studios) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjmJrousERe/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kmainenti]

Posted @withrepost • @workinprogress_advisory “#The World Without Us (Butterfly Dishwasher)” (2020), by Karen Mainenti @kmainenti | [11x8.5in] ✨ DM us for further details. “Sacred Pause, Sacred Fertilizer” is on view through January 4, 2023. ✨ 19 female-identifying artists share works produced during the COVID-19 pandemic + reflect on what was awakened in their practice (and within) when they ceded to what presented in the pause. ✨ Presented by Nevelson Chapel @nevelson_chapel and New York Culture Club @nyccultureclub in partnership with Midtown Arts Common. ✨ Curated by Marly Hammer @honeybadgaa + Lisa Wirth @wilsonundwirth of Work In Progress @workinprogress_advisory Featured Artists: Anna Cone @annacone / Anne Muntges @anne_muntges /Ashley Garrett @ashleygarrettny / Dina Cline @dinaalexiscline / Domenica Bucalo @domenica.bucalo / Elspeth Schulze @elspethschulze / Esmaa Mohamoud @esmaamohamoud / Hilary Doyle @hilaryldoyle / Karen Mainenti @kmainenti / Katrina Majkut @katrinamajkut / Leah Guadagnoli @lavenderladysupreme / Linda Colletta @lindacolletta / Madeline Donahue @madelinedonahue / Mara de Luca @maradelucastudio / Maria de Los Angeles @delosangelesart / Marlene Frontera @farlenemontera / Natale Adgnot @natale_adgnot / Nazanin Noroozi @nazaninnoroozi / Rachel Klinghoffer @rachelklinghoffer ✨ Location: Nevelson Chapel at Saint Peter’s Church @saintpetersnyc 619 Lexington Ave (Entrance on E 54th St) New York, NY 10022 ✨ Dates: Exhibition Viewing: September 28, 2022 - January 4, 2023 with viewing hours of Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm; and Sundays 9am-6pm ✨ Questions or interest in works should be directed to @workinprogress_advisory #womenartists #femaleartists #femaleartist #nycartists #contemporaryart #collectart #womeninthearts #artopening #collage #collageart #collageartwork #collageartist #vintagephotography (at Saint Peter's Church) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjg70jNsAuI/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kmainenti]

Thanks so much to @giregatao and @zpagency for coming out today! So much fun seeing you two! Posted @withrepost • @giregatao A great preview of @artsgowanus next weekend. “Malls of America,” @footnoteprojects, combines the paintings of @kmainenti that celebrate the architecture and glamour of shopping malls of her native New Jersey, with photos of @pwbuehler, who documents their downfall. (at 543 Union Artists LLC 543 Union) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjeH8KYsLGg/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kmainenti]

Finally! My installation @footnoteprojects opening tomorrow Sat Oct 8 from 1-4pm🍷 🎉 “Malls of America” featuring work by Phillip Buehler (@pwbuehler) & Karen Mainenti (@kmainenti) Considered mere eyesores today, the first suburban shopping malls were examples of exemplary design: innovative civic architecture created to foster a sense of shared community. Against the background of the recent rezoning of the Gowanus neighborhood, this exhibition explores the optimism of urban planning against the eventual decline of these utopian dreams. Footnote Project Space 543 Union Street, #1F Oct 8 - Nov 18 Opening Reception: Oct 8, 1-4pm Open for Gowanus Open Studios Sat & Sun Oct 15-16, 12-6 Open Saturdays Oct 29 and November 12, 1-4pm Or by appointment: Email [email protected] Also swing by and visit our neighbor Artpoetica Project Space in #2B “All Dolled Up” featuring work by JoAnne McFarland and Susan Bee Joint opening reception Oct 8, 1-4pm Gowanus Open Studios Sat & Sun Oct 15-16, 12-6 Learn more at www.footnoteproject.org and artpoetica.org #footnoteprojects #footnoteprojectspace #mallsofamerica #artpoetica #forgottenhistory @footnoteprojects #phillipbuehler #karenmainenti @joannemcfarland55 #shoppingmalls #photography #paintings #gos #gowanusopenstudios #deadmalls #gos2022 @sashachav #artsgowanus, #gos2022, #gowanusopenstudios2022 and #keepgowanuscreative (at 543 Union Artists LLC 543 Union) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjbaGNYLRKF/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kmainenti]

Sneak peek of my installation for “Malls of America,”, opening this Saturday, October 8, 1-4pm @footnoteprojects featuring work by Phillip Buehler (@pwbuehler) & Karen Mainenti (@kmainenti) Considered mere eyesores today, the first suburban shopping malls were examples of exemplary design: innovative civic architecture created to foster a sense of shared community. Against the background of the recent rezoning of the Gowanus neighborhood, this exhibition explores the optimism of urban planning against the eventual decline of these utopian dreams. Footnote Project Space 543 Union Street, #1F Oct 8 - Nov 18 Opening Reception: Oct 8, 1-4pm Open for Gowanus Open Studios Sat & Sun Oct 15-16, 12-6 Open Saturdays Oct 29 and November 12, 1-4pm Or by appointment: Email [email protected] Also swing by and visit our neighbor Artpoetica Project Space in #2B “All Dolled Up” featuring work by JoAnne McFarland and Susan Bee Joint opening reception Oct 8, 1-4pm Gowanus Open Studios Sat & Sun Oct 15-16, 12-6 Learn more at www.footnoteproject.org and artpoetica.org #footnoteprojects #footnoteprojectspace #mallsofamerica #artpoetica #forgottenhistory @footnoteprojects #phillipbuehler #karenmainenti @joannemcfarland55 #shoppingmalls #photography #paintings #gos #gowanusopenstudios #deadmalls #gos2022 @sashachav #artsgowanus, #gos2022, #gowanusopenstudios2022 and #keepgowanuscreative #gardenstate #karenmainenti @artsgowanus (at 543 Union Artists LLC 543 Union) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjTmPC8rnJt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kmainenti]

A wonderful opening last night of Sacred Pause, Sacred Fertilizer at @nevelson_chapel thanks to the best ladies in the biz 💫 @workinprogress_advisory @honeybadgaa and @wilsonundwirth Come see the show, up through Jan 4, 2023 19 female-identifying artists share works produced during the COVID-19 pandemic + reflect on what was awakened in their practice (and within) when they ceded to what presented in the pause. Presented by Nevelson Chapel @nevelson_chapel and New York Culture Club @nyccultureclub in partnership with Midtown Arts Common. Curated by Marly Hammer @honeybadgaa + Lisa Wirth @wilsonundwirth of Work In Progress @workinprogress_advisory Location: Nevelson Chapel at Saint Peter’s Church 619 Lexington Ave (Entrance on E 54th St) New York, NY 10022 Dates: Opening Reception: September 28, 2022 from 6-8pm Exhibition Viewing: September 28, 2022 - January 4, 2023 with viewing hours of Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm; and Sundays 9am-6pm Fall Artist Panels: Dates and details to be announced Questions or interest in works should be directed to @workinprogress_advisory #womenartists #femaleartists #femaleartist #nycartists #contemporaryart #collectart #womeninthearts #artopening (at Saint Peter's Church) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjGraTiuCZW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kmainenti]

So honored to show my work alongside the monumental photographs of @pwbuehler that show the reality and destruction of the optimism of I look to capture of NJ mall architecture and signage. Posted @withrepost • @footnoteprojects Announcing our Fall show opening October 8, 1-4pm at @footnoteprojects “Malls of America” featuring work by Phillip Buehler (@pwbuehler) & Karen Mainenti (@kmainenti) Considered mere eyesores today, the first suburban shopping malls were examples of exemplary design: innovative civic architecture created to foster a sense of shared community. Against the background of the recent rezoning of the Gowanus neighborhood, this exhibition explores the optimism of urban planning against the eventual decline of these utopian dreams. Footnote Project Space 543 Union Street, #1F Oct 8 - Nov 18 Opening Reception: Oct 8, 1-4pm Open for Gowanus Open Studios Sat & Sun Oct 15-16, 12-6 Open Saturdays Oct 29 and November 12, 1-4pm Or by appointment: Email [email protected] Also swing by and visit our neighbor Artpoetica Project Space in #2B “All Dolled Up” featuring work by JoAnne McFarland and Susan Bee Joint opening reception Oct 8, 1-4pm Gowanus Open Studios Sat & Sun Oct 15-16, 12-6 Learn more at www.footnoteproject.org and artpoetica.org #footnoteprojects #footnoteprojectspace #mallsofamerica #artpoetica #forgottenhistory @footnoteprojects #phillipbuehler #karenmainenti @joannemcfarland55 #shoppingmalls #photography #paintings #gos #gowanusopenstudios #deadmalls #gos2022 @sashachav (at 543 Union Artists LLC 543 Union) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci-Vzc8so7B/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kmainenti]

#WIP on one of my new paintings based on malls, stores and highways in none other than the Garden State. Born and raised in Paramus, NJ, I’ve recently realized the positive impact the design elements of commercialism had on my own artistic perspective. #paramus #newjersey #malls #shoppingmalls #prettypastels #architecture #hardlinepainting @lefrancbourgeoisofficiel (at TI Art Studios) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cis8erCOtD5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kmainenti]

I’m finally ready to start sharing my new series of work, entitled “Garden State.” Yes, I’m from New Jersey. And finally proud of it! I grew up in Northern New Jersey, surrounded by some of the very first malls built in the United States. In this series of paintings, I isolate the architecture and signage of suburban stores, malls, and highways of my to show the idealism in which they were originally conceived. Bambergers, Garden State Plaza, Flashe on panel, 10 x 8 in, 2022 Show upcoming soon @footnoteprojects #malls #newjersey #paramus #commercialism #signage #consumerism #shoppingmalls #painting #karenmainenti #bambergers @lefrancbourgeoisofficiel (at TI Art Studios) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cipk802rB6Z/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kmainenti]

I’m so grateful to be showing collages from my “The World Without Us” series in the company of women artists at this special space—the Nevelson Chapel—curated by @workinprogress_advisory “Sacred Pause, Sacred Fertilizer,” September 28, 2022 - January 4, 2023. The opening reception is Wednesday September 28th from 6-8pm. 19 female-identifying artists share works produced during the COVID-19 pandemic + reflect on what was awakened in their practice (and within) when they ceded to what presented in the pause. Presented by Nevelson Chapel @nevelson_chapel and New York Culture Club @nyccultureclub in partnership with Midtown Arts Common. Curated by Marly Hammer @honeybadgaa + Lisa Wirth @wilsonundwirth of Work In Progress @workinprogress_advisory Featured Artists: Anna Cone @annacone / Anne Muntges @anne_muntges / Ashley Garrett @ashleygarrettny / Dina Cline @dinaalexiscline / Domenica Bucalo @domenica.bucalo / Elspeth Schulze @elspethschulze/ Esmaa Mohamoud @esmaamohamoud / Hilary Doyle @hilaryldoyle / Karen Mainenti @kmainenti / Katrina Majkut @katrinamajkut / Leah Guadagnoli @lavenderladysupreme / Linda Colletta @lindacolletta / Madeline Donahue @madelinedonahue / Mara de Luca @maradelucastudio / Maria de Los Angeles @delosangelesart / Marlene Frontera @farlenemontera / Natale Adgnot @natale_adgnot / Nazanin Noroozi @nazaninnoroozi / Rachel Klinghoffer @rachelklinghoffer Location: Nevelson Chapel at Saint Peter’s Church 619 Lexington Ave (Entrance on E 54th St) New York, NY 10022 Dates: Opening Reception: September 28, 2022 from 6-8pm Exhibition Viewing: September 28, 2022 - January 4, 2023 with viewing hours of Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm; and Sundays 9am-6pm Fall Artist Panels: Dates and details to be announced Questions or interest in works should be directed to @workinprogress_advisory #womenartists #femaleartists #femaleartist #nycartists #contemporaryart #collectart #womeninthearts #artopening (at Saint Peter's Church) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cik5322rn3Z/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kmainenti]

Thank you @alexgingrow for saying this so damn clearly! 🙏🏻😭 Posted @withregram • @alexgingrow Everything can fuck right off right now. Right the fuck off. (at New York City, N.Y.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfTu5NcrMU6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kmainenti]

Thanks to @nowbehereart for featuring my work! ❤️❤️❤️ Posted @withregram • @nowbehereart Karen Mainenti (@kmainenti) appropriates text and images from consumer products, advertising, and media in her work. By reframing these messages—often with humor—she attempts to reveal the absurdity and unnatural expectations that society has come to accept as commonplace. In her "Message in a Bottle" series, she explores the contradiction of women’s simultaneous embrace and skepticism of women’s beauty products; questions of product efficacy are often eclipsed by the irresistible promise of faith, belief, and transformation. The products depicted are common products that women keep in their medicine cabinets today but for many, Mainenti has replaced the product name with text extracted from the headlines of 1950’s-era beauty advertisements.⁠ ⁠ You can see more of Karen Mainenti's work currently on view in "Brooklyn Utopias: Along the Canal" curated by Katherine Gressel (@eventpaintingbykatherine) at the Old Stone House in Gowanus Brooklyn (@oldstonehousebklyn) through June 26.⁠ ⁠ Mainenti has had solo exhibitions of her work at the 2019 SPRING/BREAK Art Show (@springbreakartshow), Bard Graduate Center Library (@bardgradcenter), Ground Floor Gallery (@groundfloorbk), and Chashama (@chashama). Select group exhibitions include Untitled Space (@untitledspaceny), DUMBO Arts Festival, and Trestle Gallery. Her artwork has received coverage in ARTnews, Artnet News, Hyperallergic, Gothamist, Brooklyn Magazine, Gallery Gurls, and The Believer Magazine, among others. Mainenti is deeply connected to the Gowanus, Brooklyn arts community through collaboration with artist Sasha Chavchavadze (@sashachav) on Footnote project space (@footnoteprojects) and serving on the board of directors of Arts Gowanus (@artsgowanus).⁠ ⁠ Karen Mainenti, Message in a Bottle, 2019⁠ ⁠ #NowBeHereArt⁠ #WomenArtists⁠ #NonBinaryArtists⁠ #KarenMainenti⁠ #FeministArt⁠ #BrooklynArt⁠ #ArtsGowanus⁠ #ConceptualArt⁠ https://www.instagram.com/p/CfLDm4qMYfZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=