The inaugural exhibition at Esopus Space was this solo show of 37 self-portraits by Michael Iskowitz, whose A Doll House Society project appeared in Esopus 12. The paintings, which range in size from 8" x 10" to 30" x 40", had never before been exhibited publicly. With their psychological intensity and expressive, assured use of color and form, they bear comparisons to the self-portraits of Van Gogh or Egon Schiele. But Michael’s ability to probe his unconscious via different identities (or “masks,” as he calls them) also invokes the practice of artists such as Frida Kahlo or Cindy Sherman. The show represented Michael’s New York City debut.

A reception for the artist took place on Thursday, July 23, 2009.