Gymnasia - Solo Show at BRIC 

Curated by Jenny Gerow


Press Release: Gymnasia is an installation by Brooklyn-based artist Rose Nestler in the Project Room of BRIC House. The exhibition includes Nestler’s oversized textile reinterpretations of ancient prize amphorae and a multi-channel video installation that places costumed dancers, gymnasts and wrestlers amidst large scale fabric trophies moving to the sound of a hypnotic and syncopated chorus of commentators.

The works included in this show pull from the iconography and structures of the ancient Greco-Roman Gymnasium, while also utilizing the familiar aesthetics and materials of contemporary sportswear. Gymnasia presents an investigation into the correlation between athleticism, spirituality, gender and power through illustrating sports, ceremonies and rewards that sustain the oppressive regime of toxic masculinity within American culture.


Rose Nestler is a 2017-18 recipient of the ArtFP, an open call for Brooklyn-based visual artists to exhibit at BRIC House.

Gymnasia Installation View in the Project Room at BRIC
2018
Gymnasia Installation View, BRIC Project Room, 2018-2019
2018
Mixed media sculptures and video monitors
Gymnasia: Wrestling Installation View
2018
single channel video
Gymnasia Installation View
2018/19
Gymnasia: Garden Chorus Installation View
2018
single channel video
Prize Amphora: Gymnastics
2018
neoprene, thread, foam, wood, batting
Prize Amphora: Gymnastics Detail
2018
Prize Amphora: Gymnastics Detail
2018
Gymnasia: Gymnastics/Dance Installation View
2018
single channel video
Prize Amphora: Wrestling Detail
2018
neoprene, thread, foam, wood, batting
Prize Amphora: Wrestling Detail
Gymnasia Installation View
2018/19
Gymnasia: Garden Chorus Video Still
2018
video still
three channel video installation viewed on three separate monitors
Gymnasia: Garden Chorus Video Still
2018
video still
three channel video installation viewed on three separate monitors
Gymnasia Installation View in the Project Room at BRIC
2018/19
Athena Pennant Flag
2018
nylon, thread, flag pole mount, dowel
Athena Pennant Flag Detail
2018
Gymnasia: Garden Chorus Still
2018
digital photograph
Gymnasia: Garden Chorus Still
2018
digital photograph
Prize Amphora Still
2018
digital photograph
Gymnasia: Greek Chorus and Amphorae Video Still
2018
video still
three channel video installation viewed on three separate monitors
Gymnasia: Garden Chorus Still
2018
digital photograph
Gymnasia: Wrestlers Video Still
2018
video still
three channel video installation viewed on three separate monitors
Gymnasia: Garden Chorus Video Still
2018
video still
three channel video installation viewed on three separate monitors
Gymnasia: Greek Chorus Video Still
2018
video still
three channel video installation viewed on three separate monitors
Gymnasia: Dancers Video Still
2018
video still
three channel video installation viewed on three separate monitors
Gymnasia: Gymnasts Video Still
2018
video still
three channel video installation viewed on three separate monitors