Artist Nitin Mukul, co-founder of Epicenter and “Heat of the Moment” curator, with one of the featured artists, Dev Benegal, during the opening reception. Credit: Epicenter NYC

As the nation and the world grapple with unprecedented crises—from climate change to racial disparities—Epicenter NYC co-founder and artist Nitin Mukul presents “Heat of the Moment” as a call to action to confront these challenges and inspire collective responsibility for a more resilient future. Featuring the works of nine artists, the exhibition is on view through Nov. 9 at the Local NY. Epicenter and ThirstyGallerina together with the artists will also host a special reception on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

“Whether you live in the U.S. facing an unprecedented hurricane season, reside in heat islands or are in Pakistan feeling the impact of the climate crisis, we are in a unique moment in time that demands urgent collective reflection on how we navigate these global challenges locally,” shared Mukul. “We are also seeing how systemic inequities hinder how individuals and communities of color live and thrive––and the artists’ works in ‘Heat of the Moment’ spotlight this and aim to provoke a deeper understanding of our shared responsibility to create meaningful change. I want to thank the artists for coming together and bringing to life this exhibition at the Local NY.”

“Heat of the Moment” features works by Josefina Bahamondes,Dev Benegal, Sanie Bokhari, Greg Kessler, Ram Rahman, Toussaint Rosefort, Pranav Sood, Anokha Venugopal, and Nitin Mukul, who also curated the exhibition and leads Epicenter’s artist network.

Toussaint Rosefort alongside one of his pieces for “Heat of the Moment” at the Local NY. Credit: Epicenter NYC
Sanie Bokhari with her featured piece for “Heat of the Moment” at the Local NY. Credit: Epicenter NYC
Dev Benegal, one of the artists featured in “Heat of the Moment,” at the Local NY. Credit: Epicenter NYC
Pranav Sood, featured artist in “Heat of the Moment,” at the Local NY. Credit: Epicenter NYC
Anokha Venugopal in front of her featured work in“Heat of the Moment”at the Local NY. Credit: Epicenter NYC
Council Member Shekar Krishnan joins Epicenter publisher and co-founder S. Mitra Kalita and other attendees at the opening reception of “Heat of the Moment.” Credit: Epicenter NYC
Council Member Linda Lee and Epicenter co-founder Nitin Mukul. Photo by Epicenter NYC and the exhibit’s kickoff reception. Credit: Epicenter NYC

Every week, Epicenter NYC supports local artists through its dedicated and growing artist network. These artists, whose work ranges from poetry and short stories to artwork and any shareable experience, are profiled and receive a $100 stipend. The program shifts formats of news and info dissemination, storytelling, and offers sustainability to artists at risk of leaving NYC or abandoning their craft. The program launched at the height of pandemic in an effort to support artists and to tap into the power of art to engage the community to share their experiences and help reduce the spread of Covid.

Mukul is an American visual artist of Indian descent mapping spaces where painting and video intersect as a durational experience. He has lived and worked in Massachusetts, India, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and currently is in New York City. His work has appeared at The Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, Pioneer Works, Brooklyn and Lincoln Center, NYC. His work was also featured in the 2013 Queens Biennial at the Queens Museum. See more of his work at nitinmukul.com and on his Instagram.

Carolina Valencia is longtime media and digital executive who has worked at The New York Times, Univision and The Recount. A native of Guayaquil, Ecuador who grew up in Queens, Carolina also worked for...

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