Magenta Lounge: “Persona / Non Persona” Opening Reception & Artist Talk

Curated by James Horner

On view from July 30, 2026 - August 30, 2026

Opening Reception: Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 6 - 8 pm.

Artist Talk: Thursday August 13 6-8 pm

“Persona / Non Persona” is a dynamic group exhibition by the queer art collective, Magenta Lounge, curated by its founder James Horner.

The exhibition brings together the work of nine LGBTQ+ artists whose paintings, photographs, sculptures, videos, and multidisciplinary works reflect on queer identity, self-discovery, and the beauty of individuality. Through diverse creative practices, the artists explore the complexities of personal expression, belonging, and the ongoing process of self-recognition.

Growing up can be challenging for anyone. Our sense of self is shaped by childhood experiences, emerging sexuality, memories, and the dynamics of family and community. For those who are gay, lesbian, transgender, or other queer identities – this journey often includes additional obstacles – including struggles for visibility, fear of rejection, body image concerns, religious pressures, addiction, and conflicts with societal expectations. Together, the artworks in this exhibition offer nuanced reflections on these experiences, illuminating both the difficulties and the resilience that accompany the formation of queer identity.

Featured Artists include:

Tom Acevedo

Melanie Brewster

Marco Caridad

Ross Collab

James Horner

Kyle Quinn

Christopher Squier

Nathan Storey

Patrick Webb

Aaron Wilder

Michael Young

Magenta Lounge is a queer art collective started by artist James Horner. Besides art exhibitions and special projects, the collective produces zines and posters, extending their practice beyond gallery walls and into accessible, community-oriented formats. Magenta Lounge channels today’s LGBTQ+ opinions on sexuality, politics, icons, tenderness, humor, and defiance – with a commitment to visibility, collaboration, and queer-led creative production.

James Horner is a visual storyteller whose figurative works draw from queer culture, environmental psychology, and the emotional dynamics of social spaces. Horner's characters inhabit worlds that are humorous, muscular, intimate, and destabilizing. His work has been exhibited at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art and the Bronx Museum, and he is a current participant in the Bronx River Art Center studio program and a board member and artist member of the Amos Eno Gallery. For more information, visit jameshornerart.com or on Instagram @jamesandthelovelies.