Transmissions – Ann Tracy

Throughout her career, she has drawn inspiration from artists such as Philip Guston and Piero Della Francesca, whose work has informed her understanding of geometry, atmosphere, and the human condition. In several works in this exhibition, we see a direct nod to early Renaissance masterpieces, such as Tracy’s large scale, multi-panelled painting Adrienne and the Twins, which recalls Piero Della Francesca’s famous Polyptych of the Misericordia (1460–1462). However, as in all Tracy’s works, she moves beyond time to lay out narratives and imagery that is specific to the fragility of our own times. In Adrienne and the Twins, the Virgin Mary is sitting on a pink 1979 Ford Thunderbird – a now obsolete gas-guzzling vehicle – which appears to be slowly submerging in water. She presents a time of great challenge and change. The old ways are gone.

Ann Tracy’s work beautifully describes the rare times that we are living. In addition to art historical references, her practice is further influenced by her extensive experience in creative community projects, including her work in Miami with people living with AIDS as well as a variety of diverse populations, including homeless and runaway teens and new Haitian immigrants during the 1990s. Her large-scale works highlight the personal and collective experiences of communities, responding to ongoing social struggles. As well as representing women, in Transmissions, Tracy’s subjects include animals, plants, elements, landscapes and even otherworldly forms. She draws them all together in a collective experience of this period of change and imbalance which the artist constantly refers to in her work.

Impulse Gallery, Lucerne, Switzerland
17 October – 21 December 2024
Haldenstrasse 19, 6006 Lucerne