Abrons Arts Center Opens “magic ephemera”
Abrons Arts Center welcomed visitors to the opening of Magic Ephemera on June 12, showcasing the culminating exhibition of the 2024–26 Van Lier Visual Artist Fellows: Cyle Warner, kiarita, and Megan Mi-Ai Lee. On view through August 2 in the Main Gallery, the exhibition brings together newly commissioned works alongside contributions from the artists’ mentors and former Abrons residents Baseera Khan, Elliott Jerome Brown Jr., and Park McArthur.
Though diverse in medium and approach, the works presented in Magic Ephemera share a common exploration of memory, place, identity, and family history. The exhibition invites audiences into deeply personal environments shaped by lived experiences and cultural narratives.
Cyle Warner, recognized as one of Cultured magazine’s Young Artists of 2025, presents fiber sculptures and works on paper inspired by Caribbean breeze blocks commonly used in residential architecture. Through these forms, Warner examines how built environments preserve memory and shape personal histories.
Artist Kiarita transforms found furniture into intimate portrait works that reflect their South Williamsburg roots. Their practice addresses themes of displacement and belonging while honoring the chosen family and community that have supported their journey.
Meanwhile, Megan Mi-Ai Lee draws from her experiences growing up in Las Vegas, creating sculptures and video installations that reinterpret elements of popular culture, including karaoke novelties, magic acts, and the spectacle associated with the city’s entertainment landscape.
The exhibition is further enriched by the participation of mentors and former Abrons residents Baseera Khan, Elliott Jerome Brown Jr., and Park McArthur, creating an intergenerational dialogue between artists connected through the fellowship program.
Located at Abrons Arts Center on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, magic ephemera serves as both a celebration of emerging artistic voices and a reflection on the lasting impact of mentorship, community, and personal storytelling. In addition to the exhibition, Abrons Arts Center will host a series of public programs and artist-led workshops throughout the summer, offering visitors additional opportunities to engage with the themes and creative practices featured in the show.
Photo Credit: CULTURAL COUNSEL