Presented by MA Curatorial Practice

Unfinished Symphony

December 6 - 13, 2023
Drawing of a bird and flower with a hand with the words "Unfinished Symphony" over it in white script

Reception

Wed, Dec 6; 6:00 - 8:00pm

MA Curatorial Practice and the CP Projects Space presents an exhibition curated by MA Curatorial Practice student Jiayin Lin. A one-person retrospective of the artist Mya Yang, who passed away in her early twenties, “Unfinished Symphony” delves into the interplay between completion and intentional incompleteness, challenging traditional perceptions of artistic finality.

 

From the deceptive allure of photographic likeness to the intentional non finito of the sixteenth-century artworks, the concept of incompletion is apparent in the works of master artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Cézanne. Yang’s body of work, both literally unfinished and evoking a sense of incompleteness, revisits the idea of the incompleted work and becomes a canvas for active viewer participation.

 

Organized thematically, the exhibition explores the artist’s self-portraits, the symbolism of birds and freedom, reflections on mortality and deities, and her inner spiritual world. The exhibition invites contemplation of Yang's incompleteness, seen in the work and in the sense of a life cut short, and also activates philosophical considerations of the nature of creativity. In these ways, the artist’s works and life prompt discussions of growth, movement, and the enduring resonance of unfulfilled potential.


The Master of Arts degree in Curatorial Practice at the School of Visual Arts is a two-year program that focuses on intensive professional training, with a thorough grounding in the study of art and exhibition history, research, and theory. Students work with leading experts in an academic setting and in internships around the world, providing continuous opportunities to gain practical experience, acquire intellectual breadth, and develop a professional network in the field. The program takes full advantage of the vast number of arts institutions in New York City and the professionals working here and visiting, who constitute our distinguished faculty and weekly guest speakers. Go to macp.sva.edu to find out more.