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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Jonathan Berger: An Introduction to Nameless Love

Sept 9 – Oct 11, 2020
253 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, United States

Though “true love” is usually envisioned as a hearts-and-flowers romance, the installation artist Jonathan Berger believes the same depth and intensity can be found in our relationships with work, religion, community, family, and friendship. So why do these bonds go unacknowledged in popular culture? Inspired by his friendship with the artist Ellen Cantor (1961–2013), Berger conceived “An Introduction to Nameless Love,” a sculptural installation that addresses six different relationships. To construct it, he’s used 533,000 parts made of tin, nickel, and charcoal. The enormity and sheer scale of the work is a fitting tribute to his subject—the most important emotion of all. —E.C.

Jonathan Berger, Untitled, 2019. Installation view. Courtesy of Participant Inc., New York.