"Future Presidents" - Amy Hill

Amy Hill’s Future Presidents (2022) show at Fortnight Institute presents a uniquely and subtly surrealist take on realism. Her work aims to update artistic principles traditionally adherent to early American folk art and Renaissance tradition, with this show in particular aiming to reimagine the latter through secularization. She creates scenes that place “everyday” consumer goods in place of religious symbols, and therefore highlights this idea of a new cultural “rebirth” through consumerism and technology, while calling that into question and critique.  

However, perhaps the most compelling aspect of this show is the viewer experience. “Hyper-normal” settings are displayed in a stylistically stiff and awkward manner. Characters do not acknowledge each other as part of their environment, as all are either looking down, away, or directly at the viewer. Though they seem to be existing within their presented setting, they do appear to exhibit awareness of their true role and form as subjects of a painting; their behavior almost feels cognizant of the fact that they have been created to be captured, as they all appear intentionally “paused” rather than candid, and now know that they are now on display for public view. Therefore, rather than presenting a natural setting or interaction between characters, Amy Hill positions the viewer as a subject, potentially eliciting uncomfortability, as if they have walked in on or disturbed a situation. This, when interpreted through the show’s intended lens, successfully adds to the flatness and monotony of this highly commodified, yet true-to-life, culture being presented and brought upon by consumer capitalism. 

- Heather Ortiz