Abraham Ferraro: New Directions ↗ Going Up

(detail) Abraham Ferraro, Directions, (2011-2025), recycled cardboard, tape, mailing stickers, postal service labels, variable sizes (800 - 1500 sqft). Image courtesy of Abraham Ferraro.

Abraham Ferraro: New Directions ↗ Going Up

Feb 20, 2025 - Jan 12, 2026


  • Reception Mar 6, 2025

Overview

Castellani Art Museum is proud to present Abraham Ferraro: New Directions ↗ Going Up, a site-specific solo exhibition on view from February 20, 2025, to January 12, 2026, with a public reception on March 6, 2025. Powered by Ferraro’s artist grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), this immersive exhibition highlights his innovative approach to art-making through a two-part installation that merges autobiographical narratives with playful, interactive elements. 

The first section,
Directions (2011–present), features an evolving series of mailable sculptures meticulously crafted to meet U.S. Postal Service regulations while maximizing spatial and visual impact. These works transform the mundane act of mailing into a creative exploration, blurring the line between functionality and fine art.

The second section,
As If…/NOT, part 3 (Sisyphus’s Neurotransmission) from Ferraro’s acclaimed Light Switch series, is a site-specific, monumental sculpture that invites visitors to interact directly, humorously challenging the mythology of artistic creation. Through this work, Ferraro employs humor, irony, and sarcasm to critique the conventions and challenges faced by artists, offering viewers a unique perspective on the physical and intellectual labor behind art-making. The site-specificity of this exhibition enhances its immersive quality, creating a unique experience tailored to the Museum space. Complementing the exhibition, selections from CAM’s permanent collection, including works by Christo, Andy Warhol, Betty Gold, and Roy Lichtenstein, establish a dialogue between Ferraro’s contemporary practice and his artistic influences.

New Directions ↗ Going Up
exemplifies the power of state funding to bring innovative and interactive art experiences to life. This exhibition offers audiences a deeper understanding of the toil, creativity, and conceptual underpinnings of art while celebrating the unique energy of site-specific installations. Ferraro’s work ensures an unforgettable experience that invites participation and sparks imagination.

New Directions ↗ Going Up
is made possible in part through the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.