EN 
ES 
By Juan Butten
I decided to submit my work to participate in the 20th Annual Small Works Show at 440 Gallery thanks to the encouragement of a good friend, who motivated me to present my piece. The idea of seeing my work in such a prestigious exhibition seemed like both a challenge and an invaluable opportunity. I never imagined that my piece, Gate of Legends, would be selected from nearly 1,300 submissions. Without a doubt, being part of this event has been an honor and an unforgettable experience.
My work, inspired by the underground graffiti legends of the 1990s, is dedicated to three key figures from the New York graffiti scene: SABE KST, MATE DFA, and KANG KEZ5 YKK. These artists not only left their mark on the city but also played a pivotal role in the global evolution of graffiti. Their style and vision revolutionized the streets, and for me, creating a piece in their honor was a way to pay tribute to their legacy. Knowing that Gate of Legends was selected to be displayed alongside so many talented and representative works is a wonderful experience. This piece is not only a tribute to these allcity graffiti pioneers, but also a reflection on the impact of urban culture on society. Every stroke and every color I used carries a part of that history, merging the aesthetic of graffiti with a deeper vision of its cultural legacy.
Having the opportunity to share my work in a space like 440 Gallery, surrounded by so many impressive pieces, has left me with a sense of gratitude and satisfaction. And although my piece is small in size, its significance is immense to me. Being part of this show, alongside so many talented artists, has been one of the most enriching experiences of my artistic career. I encourage everyone to visit the Small Works Show in person; it’s a unique experience that cannot be replaced by viewing photos. When standing in front of the physical works, viewers can appreciate details, textures, and techniques that are only perceivable in person. The small dimensions of the pieces invite a more intimate approach, where each brushstroke or line tells its own story that cannot be fully captured in a digital image. Furthermore, the gallery space provides an atmosphere that allows attendees to immerse themselves in the context of the exhibition, interact with the works on a personal level, and experience the emotions that the artists aim to convey.
On the other hand, photos of an exhibition may provide an overall view of the works, but they can never truly convey the scale, the way light interacts with surfaces, or the physical presence of the object in space. Seeing the pieces live also allows for dialogue with other people and with the gallery’s environment, which enhances the experience. Static images cannot replicate how a work of art reveals itself in three dimensions, and the energy of the room, along with the possibility of viewing the work from different angles, creates a connection that photos simply cannot match.
This year’s Small Works Show, curated by Pam Wong, opened on November 14th at 440 Gallery, an art space in Brooklyn that is celebrating its 20th anniversary with this exhibition. The show highlights the beauty of the small, demonstrating that the most valuable work in a collection can also be the tiniest. With artworks that do not exceed 30 cm in any dimension, this exhibit is a testament to creativity and innovation competing for space in a reduced format. The exhibition’s opening was on Saturday, November 16th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., and it was a well-attended event, with dozens of people enjoying the variety and quality of the works displayed. The show will remain open until December 20, 2024, so those who couldn’t attend the opening still have time to visit.
Pam Wong, the curator of the exhibition, is a Brooklyn-based writer and curator passionate about contemporary art and collaborating with community artists. Her blog Art Hag highlights the work of artists and exhibitions in New York and other cities. Before turning to curating, Pam worked as a reporter, covering cultural and artistic topics in the Park Slope and Gowanus neighborhoods. Additionally, she has worked with several non-profit organizations and organizes the art programming for Gowanus Dredgers Boathouse, a space that features works by local artists.
This exhibition also includes a series of awards for participating artists, such as the Jim Manwell Memorial Award, selected by the gallery’s artist members, and the People’s Choice Award, chosen by attendees. Pam Wong, who was responsible for selecting the works, shared in her speech: “It was an honor to be the juror for the Small Works Show at 440 Gallery. There were so many wonderful submissions (almost 1,300)! I wish I could have included everyone, but space forced me to limit my selections to 85. It was incredibly difficult. I chose pieces that caught my attention and that related to each other, whether through theme, medium, materials, colors, or patterns. My goal was to present an eclectic variety of artworks with broad appeal. I hope everyone who visits the gallery enjoys these small but remarkable pieces.”
This year’s exhibition features artists such as Joanne Agabs, Joann Amitrano, Nicholas Bailey, Joe Banish, Patrick Barrett, David Barthold, Allan Bealy, Lauren Alyssa Bierly, Carrie-Ann Bracco, Kate Brennan, Melanie Brock, Jon Bunge, Juan Butten, Diana Ximena Cadavid, Chris Carter, Miki Chen, Fiona Clark, Lynn Cole, LaShonda Cooks, David Enríquez, Janice Everett, Paul Farinacci, Tom Fruin, Yelitza Galán, Rich Garr, Sandra Giunta, Laurence Elle Groux, Justin Hawkins, Yolande Heijnen, Ella Hepner, Mindy Indy, Carmen Isasi, Claire B. Jones, Barbara Kasomenakis, Jewel Kawataki, Leigh Klonsky, Ruth Lawlor, Alise Loebelsohn, Abbe Lubell, Anita Maksimiuk, Tiziana Mazziotto, Beth McCoy, Michelle McElroy, Demarcus McGaughey, Victoria McKenzie, Editha Mesina, PJ Mills, Gail Molnar, Margo Moore, Jiaomin Ni, Richard O’Brien, Yukie Ohta, Ali Osborn, Lindsay Owen, Andrea Packard, Steve Pauley, Janet Pedersen, Susan Phillips, Haley Pisciotta, Michael Potecha, Jos Prol, Regina Quinn, Miguel Reyes, Barbara Ringer, Bill Roundy, Kate Rusek, Jennifer Saftler, Insuk Shin, Miranda Starkey, Kim Tateo, Doug Turetsky, Pavlina Vagioni, Nicole Vergalla, Ekaterina Vygolova, Chris Weller, Tamsen Williams, Ksenia Winnicki, Harold Wortsman, Ella Yang, Ward Yoshimoto, Aleah Zerance, and many others, whose works enrich the diversity of this show.
440 Gallery is a space dedicated to presenting attractive and accessible art to the community, offering exhibitions, talks, readings, and events where visitors can interact directly with the artists. The gallery is open Thursday to Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and weekends from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., or by appointment. For press inquiries, sales, or artist interviews, you can contact them via email at info@440gallery.com or by phone at 718-499-3844. For more information about the exhibitions and the artists, visit their website at www.440gallery.com.
