Elizabeth Huey's 'Hydrotherapy' at Heiner Contemporary

From July 23rd through August 31st, Heiner Contemporary is presenting new, small paintings by Brooklyn-based artist Elizabeth Huey.Hydrotherapy, demonstrates Huey's continued investigations into the human psyche and its ever-shifting relationship to community, architecture and nature. The history of psychology and human attempts at manufacturing happiness have long informed Elizabeth Huey's practice. This new work exchanges sanitariums and institutions for resort spas, treatment centers and secluded getaways.

Huey examines communal experiences around bodies of water and the long-held belief in their restorative powers. A cursory glance at the artist's water paintings reveals familiar subject matter - bikini-clad women relaxing poolside and swimmers in celebration. However, a quality of unease lurks just beneath the surface in many of the works. The skies and shimmering water, both alluring and daunting, play a prominent role in sustaining a psychologically charged atmosphere. In this setting, the artist is perhaps most fascinated by human gesture and dynamics, how connections are expressed in subtle ways - a sidelong glance or touch.

The distinctive architecture and imagery has been culled from the artist's found photo collection, archival research, and her own photographs, including those from recent residencies in Cape Cod and Miami.

Heiner Contemporary is located at 1675 Wisconsin Avenue. Tel: 202.338.0072