Salon 21 is pleased to present “The Mysteries That Were Ours,” a solo exhibition by Danielle Kosann, opening to the public on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

The central theme of the exhibition - like much of Kosann’s work - revolves around the pursuit of freedom and the desire to escape, particularly as it pertains to women. The exhibition is composed of 18 paintings, 15 of which fit together as an installation to comprise one large scene. The paintings work together to explore the transformative journeys that women undertake, showcasing an imagined world in which women thrive without societal boundaries.

Kosann paints on a large scale so as to fully immerse the viewer in the worlds she creates. These worlds are woven with intricate female-centric narratives, and are often tinged with humor and satire. The paintings confront and redefine societal taboos and stereotypes associated with female gathering, transforming these spaces into empowering expressions of identity and community.

The title, “The Mysteries That Were Ours” refers to the below quote by one of Kosann’s favorite artists Leonora Carrington:

“Most of us, I hope, are now aware that a woman should not have to demand Rights. The Rights were there from the beginning; they must be Taken Back Again, including the Mysteries which were ours and which were violated, stolen or destroyed...”

The women in the paintings can be seen reclaiming their sensuality by asserting control over their own narratives and representations, and the viewer in turn is given the freedom to choose how to interpret the clues to the various stories within the works.

Kosann playfully uses references from books, music, film, architecture and art history in order to piece together imaginary worlds that feel familiar and nostalgic to us, while playing on our collective desire to escape. Her work is admired for its detailed and immersive scenes that create a sense of place which engage, inspire, and captivate the viewer. Her hope is for the viewer to get lost in the narrative, allowing them to constantly discover something new in the story, and find little Easter eggs along the way. In light of the current pre-election discourse on reproductive rights, Kosann’s exhibition aims to spark conversations about women’s rights and freedoms.

A percentage of sales from the exhibition will be donated to Planned Parenthood of Greater New York. PPGNY is a leading provider of sexual and reproductive health services and information, a fierce advocate, and a committed partner to advance equity and improve health outcomes for all.