3 – 19 September 2021

Opening reception 6:00-9:00pm Friday September 3rd

Marginal Utility is proud to present an exhibition of recent work by Philadelphia based artist Maureen Maduadichie.

Through mixed media collages Maureen Maduadichie processes thoughts about identity, and ways that an individual can possess various and complex identities. Maduadichie’s work primarily explores this principle with regards to culture; specifically, fashion, and costuming because costumes have the power to create multiple characters. Maduadichie’s works are heavily influenced by masquerade attires from Igbo land and other African cultures.

Materials that once served a domestic function are repurposed to embody their potential for 
delicacy and beauty. When they are joined with yarn or thread, they become costume-like and take on a different shape and personality. So, in this way everything serves this dual purpose- to be used and then to become art. These material explorations allow for playfulness and the results are limitless.

The aim of gathering and repurposing these materials is to move the viewer to take a closer look, connect to and with them, and reflect on all the possibilities and multiplicities that can exist within a single material.

Maureen Maduadichie was a participant in the 319 2nd flr. Artist in Residency Program.

About 319 AIR: From January until August 2021, the five artist-run galleries on the 319 Building’s 2nd floor hosted artist residencies in their spaces. The pandemic had made it difficult to safely present exhibitions in our spaces, and at the same time, many artists were displaced from their studios due to the pandemic’s economic effects. Now that the galleries are reactivated, the artists are exhibiting works from their residencies in groups and pairs throughout fall 2021.

– 20 visitors maximum will be admitted into the building at a time for the opening reception and gallery hours.

– Masks are required to be worn properly at all times while inside of the 319 North 11th st. building.

– There will be no consumption of food or beverages in the galleries and hallways