Paola Pivi: “We are the baby gang”

Work and life has been crazy so i haven’t gotten out to as many exhibitions as I would like. Nevertheless -  I did go to Paola Pivi’s “We are the baby gang” at Gallerie Perrotin in the Lower East Side and it was pretty awesome. This exhibition in particular was very unique because of its utter versatility - no matter what age you are…5 or 55 - this is a visual treat fit for anyone. The exhibition titled “We Are the Baby Gang” features 75 handmade feathered bears that reflect Pivi’s personal life and experiences. The bears are bright with radiant hues which exemplify’s Pivi’s time in India - an experience very close to her - where she was surrounding by a vibrant culture with a bright color palette. The choice of polar bears, I wonder, may be an ode to her time living in Alaska contrasted by the stark white walls and minimal negative space in the gallery.

The bears - one of natures most ferocious creatures - yet Pivi presents them in a childlike, playful manner - hugging, practicing yoga, rolling around which reflects her experiences as a new mother where she witnessed more miniaturized objects appearing in her life, with items becoming cuter and more delicate. Each bear is granted a self-aware name like “Here Comes My Mom” or “I Can’t Wait to Grow Up” as a way of showing that as fierce as these creatures are, infantile qualities show they need protection and love. 

A common theme in Pivi’s previous works is the interconnectedness amongst living things and we definitely see that in “We are the baby gang” also. In her press release by Justine Ludwig it said, “ Seventy baby polar bears frolic, play, fight, nap, and explore the top floor of Perrotin New York. Instead of fur, the bears have sprouted florescent feathers. The polar ice caps are melting. In order to survive a changing climate, they have needed to adapt. They occupy a space between fantasy and reality—frozen in their stances, yet with the impression that they could spring to life at any moment.” I loved this description of the piece and wanted to share.