Tribeca, New York
Kevin Cobb
Ekstasis
LeonardThe title Ekstasis, literally meaning "beyond or outside the self," refers to a removal or displacement of the self, a transference of the mind, as in a state of ecstasy. Combining imagined perspectives with meticulously considered observed detail, Kevin Cobb ponders the notion of seeing beyond sight. Throughout his practice, Cobb returns to themes of viewership—often placing his audience in the viewpoint of his own head—exploring the mechanisms of light, reflection, refraction, and ocular processing. Kevin Cobb Jr. (b. 1994) is a painter, sculptor, printmaker, and digital artist. He earned his BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art and his MFA from Columbia University, where he graduated in 2023. Cobb keeps a studio in Manhattan through the competitive Hercules Art Studio Program. Elizabeth Skalka (b. 1994) is a writer, curator, and access coordinator. She holds a BFA in art history from the Maryland Institute College of Art as well as an MA in art history from NYU's Institute of Fine Arts. Skalka has worked in both private and not-for-profit art institutions such as the Whitney Museum and the Ford Foundation Gallery and her curatorial focus is global, identity-based artwork.