Current State Studio Presents ‘Of Seeing and Be Seen’: Art in Process and Collaboration

Artist Weekly Contributor

Redefining Art Through Shared Experience

The exhibition Of Seeing and Be Seen, hosted by Current State Studio at Crossing Art in Manhattan, transforms the act of looking into an engaging, shared experience between the artist, the artwork, and the audience. It challenges the conventional understanding of art by focusing not just on finished works but on the processes of becoming—exploring visibility, identity, and presence in an environment where these concepts are constantly in flux. Situated in the heart of Manhattan, a city recognized for its dynamic art scene and bustling energy, the exhibition invites both artists and visitors to embark on a journey where perception, engagement, and the act of witnessing are interwoven in a collective space.

As a nonprofit collective supporting artists, Current State Studio champions the voices of emerging artists—especially those working between cultures, experimenting with new materials, and pushing boundaries in ways that traditional galleries often overlook. Through exhibitions like Of Seeing and Be Seen, the studio continues its mission to create alternative spaces for artists to showcase their work, not when it is fully realized, but when it is still in the process of becoming.

Art as a Moment of Becoming

Current State Studio Presents 'Of Seeing and Be Seen' Art in Process and Collaboration

Photo Courtesy: Gefei Xue

Current State Studio, founded in 2024, was founded on the idea that art is not a finished state but a moment of becoming. The studio’s philosophy embraces process, vulnerability, and visibility, creating an environment where artists can share their work at any stage of development. Rather than focusing on the final product, Current State Studio values the raw, experimental stages of artistic creation, offering a platform for emerging voices to explore and express themselves in a collaborative, non-commercialized space.

In its debut exhibition Of Seeing and Be Seen, the studio explored the politics of observation and presence, examining the act of being seen and how it shapes both the artist and the audience. Through various mediums such as lacquer, wood, photography, installation, and spatial intervention, the exhibition prompted viewers to reconsider what it means to be visible and to witness art in its various stages.

Visibility and Identity in the Heart of Manhattan

Manhattan, recognized for its dynamic pace and diverse culture, serves as an ideal backdrop for Of Seeing and Be Seen. The exhibition navigates the complexities of identity, visibility, and presence—concepts that are constantly negotiated in a city where cultural representation and self-expression are in a perpetual state of flux. Artists featured in the exhibition explored how their identities are shaped by both external perception and internal expression. The work in this exhibition addresses how these two forces collide and create spaces where artists and their art can be witnessed, not as static objects, but as living, evolving entities.

By positioning the artwork within the context of New York’s dynamic, multicultural environment, Of Seeing and Be Seen taps into the collective energy of a city where art is in constant conversation with the public and its surroundings. The exhibition challenges viewers to think about art not just as something to be looked at, but as a process of engaging with and understanding the evolving nature of identity and presence.

The Intersection of Cultures, Materials, and Expression

One of the defining elements of Of Seeing and Be Seen is its exploration of the intersection between cultures and materials. As a collective that supports artists working across cultural identities and experimenting with new material languages, Current State Studio provided a platform for these artists to showcase their unique voices. The exhibition’s varied use of materials, including lacquer, wood, and photography, creates a multifaceted conversation between the artist and the audience. Each medium chosen by the artists reflects their exploration of cultural nuances, allowing for a deeper understanding of the ways in which different forms of expression can intersect and influence one another.

By providing space for such experimentation, Current State Studio empowers artists to explore uncharted territories, breaking down the boundaries that often separate different artistic traditions and cultures. The exhibition serves as a reflection to the power of alternative artistic practices, where materiality becomes a language in itself—one that speaks of transformation, cross-cultural engagement, and the fluidity of identity.

A Non-Traditional Gallery Experience

Unlike traditional art galleries, Current State Studio’s approach centers on collaboration rather than competition and dialogue rather than silence. The studio’s aims to provide an inclusive space where visibility is shared, and artists are encouraged to present their work in its current state, regardless of whether it is finished or fully polished. This commitment to the artist’s journey, rather than their final product, allows for a richer, more intimate understanding of the creative process.

In Of Seeing and Be Seen, the act of witnessing was a central theme, reflecting the studio’s belief that art should be experienced as a living, breathing entity that evolves over time. Rather than offering a static display of final works, the exhibition encouraged a deeper, more reflective engagement with the art. The artists involved in the exhibition were able to showcase their works in progress, offering viewers a unique opportunity to observe art at its most vulnerable and transformative state.

Engaging with Emerging Voices

Current State Studio’s commitment to emerging voices is evident in its ongoing support for artists who are often overlooked by the commercial art world. Many of the artists featured in Of Seeing and Be Seen are in the early stages of their careers, experimenting with new techniques, materials, and concepts. The studio provides them with the resources and visibility needed to grow as artists and engage with broader audiences.

Through workshops, residencies, and exhibitions, Current State Studio helps foster an environment where young artists can take risks, experiment, and find new ways to express themselves. The studio’s support extends beyond just providing space—it also offers a platform for dialogue and collaboration, helping create a vibrant ecosystem where artists can connect with one another and with the public.

Art as a Living, Evolving Practice

Photo Courtesy: Gefei Xue

Of Seeing and Be Seen is more than just an exhibition—it is a reflection of Current State Studio’s core philosophy: that art is not a finished state, but a moment of becoming. Through its focus on process, vulnerability, and shared visibility, the exhibition invites both artists and audiences to engage with art in its most transformative and dynamic form. Set against the backdrop of Manhattan, where visibility and identity are in constant negotiation, the exhibition explores the politics of observation and presence, highlighting the power of art to shape and redefine cultural narratives.

As a nonprofit collective, Current State Studio continues to create space for emerging artists to grow, experiment, and share their work. By emphasizing the artist’s journey and the collaborative nature of art, the studio is helping to build an alternative ecosystem where creativity thrives, free from the constraints of traditional gallery structures. With exhibitions like Of Seeing and Be Seen, the studio is influencing the art world in a significant way, offering a platform for those whose voices might otherwise go unheard.