Grids and Stripes: The Power of Pattern pairs the work of two Tampa-based artists who use pattern as a primary visual language to explore themes of identity, power, and liberation. Abstract to figurative, color to black and white, grids to stripes, the exhibition provides a compelling contrast between the artists’ approaches to pattern, all at a towering, and immersive scale that is hard to ignore.

Joshua Haddad uses color, shape, and repetition to create a series of patterns inspired by the “Progress Pride'' Flag. Incorporating symbols representing gender equality & sexuality, these patterns draw upon the specific color language and iconography used to speak about inclusivity, and an expanded representation of identities within the LGTBQIA+ community. With his background in architecture, Haddad relies upon the modularity of the grid as a formal organizational structure for these patterns, to allow for infinite iterative possibilities. Playing with contrasting colors and sequential reductions in saturation, these patterns also speak to the innate importance for visibility and diversity as we continue to expand our visual language for “Pride.”

Sam Modder’s digitally-manipulated ballpoint pen murals follow a Black woman in a world made up of only her and her duplicates. The story unfolds with the help of two distinct patterns: striped socks and curly hair. The socks, visually heavy and grounded, are tied to material gain, labor, and exploitation. Hair, by contrast, is light, and gravity-defying, it is a powerful protagonist pushing the narrative forward in soft curls and defiant shapes. This fairytale serves as an allegory for our contemporary condition, confronting questions of power, exploitation, and resistance.