Immersive nail art exhibition opens in New York City

A.I.R Gallery in Brooklyn, New York City, has opened ACRYLICS: Hidden Sculptural Art, an immersive exhibition running until 10 March 2024.

Curated by multidisciplinary artist, ICECOLD, the exhibition and corresponding book present the complex world of nail art via sculptural, editorial and sonic storytelling.

ACRYLICS is a surreal 360º interpretation of the manicure experience, as hands covered in red ‘nail polish’ protrude from the walls of the gallery. Featured nail artists are Stephanie Kao, Lesly Arrañaga, Alexis Auer, Jalen Dominique, Parvee Perry, Melissa Samuel, Sky Somalia, Momoka Takahashi, Marbles Valdez and Aja Walton. Each showcase their voice and creative perspectives through nail expressions within the ACRYLICS salon.

ICECOLD’s creative vision is channelled within the pages of a coffee table book, which highlights the dynamic history of nail art, diving into its diverse global origins and intricate evolution through American history. It also details creative foundations defined by Asian immigrants and Black Americans and taps Alex Fox, co-founder of Scratch magazine & global director of Nailympia Competitions, for an insightful foreword on the blossoming of a revolutionary art form. Thirty-five percent of all book sales go to the featured nail artists and production personnel.

Adding further dimension to the project, ICECOLD has produced Red, Please, a sonic experience that captures the essence of each story within the book and takes exhibition viewers on an auditory journey with the displayed nail art.

For more information, visit www.airgallery.org