MICHAEL REESE | DECODING POLARIS

Exhibition Dates: September 9 - October 21, 2023

Sandler Hudson Gallery is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition Decoding Polaris, by Atlanta-based artist, Michael Reese. Reese will exhibit mixed-media cyanotype works on paper. 

In Decoding Polaris, Reese explains, “I am deconstructing terrestrial limitations with celestial revelations.  During the mid to late 19th century enslaved people found their way north by observing stars and other sky patterns. I’ve used the constellation Ursa Minor (The Little Dipper) as a design element to create reimagined cosmic mappings. The North Star also known as Polaris is located within Ursa Minor, it is the brightest star within that constellation. Polaris from a terrestrial vantage point was key in understanding North from South directionally, this cosmic knowledge led many enslaved people to freedom during this time. Decoding Polaris pays homage to and is a celebration of human ingenuity. In addition, I am also acknowledging that the basic nature of the human spirit is its need to be free”.

MICHAEL REESE is an artist and educator. His work explores themes of identity and history; using past and current photographic processes as a base. With a fascination in cosmology and celestial science, he has created conceptual bridges between astronomy and the fight against human bondage. He sees photography as the perfect vehicle to stay curious about the world around him.

Reese was recently selected by The Montresso Art Foundation for an art residency at Jardin Rouge in Marrakech, Morocco. The work created in the residency will be exhibited as part of 1-54. The 1-54 is the first leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Reese continues to exhibit regularly through the traditional gallery system and the broader reaching visibility of public art.