NAIL ART

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder - but it's also on the walls at this show.

Good news: All those hours you’ve logged at the nail salon could actually count as art—especially if Molly Surno is around.

The Brooklyn—by way of Hollywood—photographer has spent the past year capturing moments of beauty. From the busy waiting area of a run-down salon to the six-inch painted talons proudly displayed, her work just might make you take a second look at your chipped polish.

The result is now on view in Nefer/Nfr at New York City’s Capricious Gallery, alongside pieces by other artists. Kenya Robinson explores the political and visual implications of “black hair”, Olivia Wyatt tackles collage art, and Leif Ritchey focuses on fashion design and appearances.

Ultimately, the show is all about adornment, and the ways in which we dress ourselves up (or down) as a means of artistic expression. Though we might not all agree that painting your nails is akin to painting a canvas, the show reminds us to, at the very least, see the beauty in it.
REBECCA WILLA DAVIS

Nefer/Nfr is on view beginning November 5 at Capricious Gallery, 103 Broadway, NYC. Call 917-438-7015 for more info.



This story was published on November 5, 2009.