New York, NY. Porter Contemporary presents Habitat, an exhibition of works by Lori Larusso and Sarah Kaufman from January 9 through February 8 with an opening reception with the artists on Friday, January 9 from 6 – 8 PM and an earlier press preview from 3 – 5 PM.

A habitat can range broadly from parasitic organisms living in a digestive tract to luxury mansions housing the rich and famous. We tend to think of our habitats more as environments.

Sarah Kaufman’s photography looks at habitat through three different bodies of work. In one series, the interiors represent both the physical space of the home and a more elusive idea of being at home often depicting the nude alone. In another series we see the battle begin between space and human living as the human element is swallowed up by domesticity. Finally, in her most recent series, she breaks free from the confines of home altogether and instead her characters engage broadly with nature and environment as bathers and are swallowed completely by a more vast construction of mother nature herself.

Through painting, Lori Larusso takes a different perspective on habitats. Larusso focuses on the micro human habitat of banality, regularity and the confines of daily living. Through each painting there is a window into human life. Sometimes, just a glimpse into a happy moment as in Sink Kitties above unveils also the precarious nature of the moment as water could come down at any moment. These works often have a touch of humor, even a little sadistic humor at times.

Habitat will run through Sunday, February 8.

Listing Information:

What: Habitat: Lori Larusso and Sarah Kaufman

Exhibition Dates: January 9 – February 8, 2015

Press Preview: Friday, January 9, 3 – 5 PM

Opening Reception: Friday, January 9, 6 – 8 PM

Where: Porter / Contemporary, 111 Front St / 55 Washington St, Suite 220, DUMBO

Gallery Hours: Friday – Sunday, 12 – 6 PM

General Inquiries: [email protected]
Media Inquiries: [email protected]

About Porter Contemporary:
Launched in 2006, Porter Contemporary is dedicated to showcasing artists from around the world whose work embodies both skill and risk taking. The mission of Porter Contemporary continues to be based on founder Jessica L. Porter’s vision of opening contemporary art collecting to a broader audience. Over the years, the gallery has earned a dedicated following of new and established collectors who value art that pushes boundaries.

In addition to presenting many distinctive exhibitions throughout the year, Porter Contemporary also provides art rental, art consultation services, collection management and artwork installation.

Lori Larusso:
Lori Larusso earned her BFA from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, with a minor in Women’s Studies, and her MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art’s graduate interdisciplinary program, the Mount Royal School of Art. Lori has recently been awarded a Visual Artist Fellowship from the MacDowell Colony, the Kentucky Arts Council’s Al Smith Fellowship, a Milton and Sally Avery Fellowship, and the James Rosenquist Artist in Residence at North Dakota State University. She maintains a solid studio practice, exhibiting her work locally, nationally, and internationally, and has participated in several residency programs across the US. Lori currently lives in Lexington, Kentucky.

Sarah Kaufman:
Sarah Kaufman received a BA from Haverford College and an MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has had solo exhibitions of her photography at Saint Joseph’s University, Haverford College, Soho Photo and Porter Contemporary galleries in New York, and has participated in group exhibitions nationwide. Kaufman’s photographic and curatorial projects have been reviewed in ARTnews Magazine and The Philadelphia Inquirer. She is a Visiting Assistant Professor in Art at Ursinus College in Pennsylvania where she teaches all levels of Photography and cross‐media Studio Practices. Kaufman lives and works in Germantown, Philadelphia.