Opening: Amy Vensel: Algorithmia

Amy Vensel: Algorithmia
On view: June 13–July 11, 2025
Opening reception: Friday, June 13, 6:00–8:00pm
Closing reception: Friday, July 11, 6:00–8:00pm

Algorithmia is an exhibition of abstract paintings by Amy Vensel that highlight the divisions in society driven by social media.

The title, Algorithmia, combines the words algorithm and arrhythmia. An algorithm is a set of rules and calculations used by social media platforms to prioritize the content users see. Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats in an irregular rhythm, and is derived from the Greek word for “lack of rhythm.” Algorithmia reflects on how algorithms manipulating data within the apps to which we’re addicted distort facts and heighten divisions, causing a lack of harmony and rhythm.

Algorithmia is a timely exploration of the relationship between disinformation and discord. The vibrant paintings in the exhibition present alternate versions of visual stories. In life, two people reading articles based on the same event can have two different conclusions based on the source of their information as presented by an algorithm. On the canvas, two related but divergent elements are divided by a black band, as if the two sides are distorted reflections of the same idea or event.

Influenced by the virtual landscape, these acrylic paintings are based on hexadecimal color palettes used by digital designers. Similar to an algorithm following a set of rules to rank content online, Vensel follows a set of self-imposed rules while making these analog paintings. Her meticulous painting process emulates the perfection of the digital world, but ultimately imperfection is unavoidable.