Savage Beauty

The politics of power and the power of pop unite in the Brant Foundation’s new show “Animal Farm.” Curator Sadie Laska (who is also a prominent New York painter and musician) brings together a variety of artists whose work speaks to the Orwellian chaos of today’s cultural and political moment—from Keith Haring’s iconic graffiti-style imagery to antiwar flag paintings by the seminal California artist Wally Hedrick. The painting-heavy show also includes familiar names such as Kenny Scharf and Jean-Michel Basquiat mixed with younger artists including Joe Bradley, Josh Smith, Laura Owens, and Spencer Sweeney. “Painting encourages discourse and discussion,” Laska says. “This show is like a loud conversation.” 

“ANIMAL FARM” OPENS THIS SUNDAY, MAY 14, AT THE BRANT FOUNDATION ART STUDY CENTER IN GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT.