{Poem88}

{Poem88} is an art gallery, bookshop and performance space located in the Floataway Building!! Since 2010, Poem88 represents emerging and mid-career artists, and presents thoughtful and innovative explorations in a new artistic frontier.

Writer and filmmaker, Robin Bernat, is the owner and curator.

2018 ushered in the re-organization of our roster of artists. Our exhibitions and programs are focused on inclusion. In keeping with current social and political developments, we feel it is keenly urgent to insure that women and cultural and ethnic minorities are amply represented and that projects addressing pressing social and pol

Operating as usual

02/22/2022

{Poem88} updated their address.

02/22/2022

{Poem88} updated their address.

01/31/2022

Poem 88 announces year-long re-structuring of exhibitions and programs.

On Friday, January 28, Poem 88 curator and owner Robin Bernat announced a year-long hiatus in exhibitions and programs for the Atlanta gallery beginning FEB 7. Restructuring the gallery to include activities more akin to a community center, a non-profit iteration of Poem 88 will emphasize community engagement and dialogue around ideas of equity, equality, and care for our environment - ideas that have always been integral to the gallery's curatorial program.

“The twin obstacles of Covid and the inflation of the real estate market make this an opportune time to reassess and fine tune the structure of the gallery and examine the needs of the communities it serves,” said Bernat.

In the 11.5 years in operation (since October 2010), Poem 88 has presented over 88 exhibitions showcasing the work of over 300 metro-Atlanta artists (primarily) and performances and installations including Hormuz Minina’s “Hop, Skip, Jump,” (2017), Paul Stephen Benjamin’s “God Bless America,” in 2016, and Alexis Hudgins’ “Reality Show” (2012). Notable group exhibitions such as “Nymphs and Shepherds Come Away: ten women artists respond to secular themes from the Renaissance” (2016) and “A Whole Tree of Lightning” (2019) gave special attention to women artists whom Bernat expressed were underrepresented in the art world. “Jane Eyre and Emancipation” (2020) explored, too, feminist themes. The "Blue Willow" show in 2017 showcased five Korean-American artists whose work synthesized distinct cultural traditions. Other exhibitions of note include Nikita Gale’s 2012 exhibition, “1961,” Brendan Carroll’s “Stained Glass and Stucco” (2018), Cynthia Farnell’s and Frank Poor’s collaborative “Materia Medica,” (2019), Brian Hitselberger’s “Counterspell” (2017) and the serial “Correspondences" focused on restoring balance to the natural world.

In complement to exhibitions, Poem 88 has offered musical performances, poetry readings, artist talks, lectures, and film screenings including the series Films for the 99% and the Antonioni Movie Marathon.

01/30/2022

Erin Sledd at Poem 88 gallery with a Monumental Folly soundtrack....

https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/women-painting-women-1234615730/?fbclid=IwAR1qzMbAEkfKiBUWuww4bT12oi6z8VlNuFy1ixXz...

01/14/2022

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth to Mount Epic Exhibition of ‘Women Painting Women’

https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/women-painting-women-1234615730/?fbclid=IwAR1qzMbAEkfKiBUWuww4bT12oi6z8VlNuFy1ixXz7tRVRQeLNzOMIuRfBq0

The show draws on—and aims to significantly expand—the concept of the female gaze.

01/13/2022

A view into @erinsledd : #wald comprising pen and ink drawings, embroidery, and cut paper sculptures. Day-long reception this Saturday, JAN 15, noon to 5pm. Please DM for an appointment slot or come whenever and take your chances. Masks required!! #contemporaryart #drawings #penandink #embroidery #installation #forest #evergreen #fairytale #nature #atlgallery #cutpaper #winter

01/06/2022

@erinsledd : Wald begins this Saturday, JAN 8 but the reception has been postponed to Saturday, JAN 15, noon to 5pm. If you’d like to see the show, or come next Saturday, please reserve a time slot by DM. #contemporaryart #contemporarygallery #wald #woods #faerie #stories #drawings #embroidery #installation #cutpaper #supportsmallbusiness #buylocal

I love Anthony Lane's writing and this review of Campion's "The Power of the Dog" is a great place to start. To me, the ...

01/03/2022

“The Power of the Dog” is Jane Campion’s Anti-Western

I love Anthony Lane's writing and this review of Campion's "The Power of the Dog" is a great place to start. To me, the movie was magnetic. Lane has other ideas. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/11/29/the-power-of-the-dog-is-jane-campions-anti-western?utm_campaign=falcon&utm_source=facebook&mbid=social_facebook&utm_social-type=owned&utm_medium=social&utm_brand=tny&fbclid=IwAR3Rb3Hrp7wj9dlNgHn4xUTc5okbHMq8GCR1GGV6B9hTR9R2S55tSOto19g

Despite the grandeur of its Montana setting, this dark family drama, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, and Jesse Plemons, is claustrophobic—a chamber piece with chaps.

12/17/2021

These collages by @travismedford are SOLD. Thanks to a long-time collector and supporter of the gallery. These and many others are on view in BrendanCarroll + Travis Medford: Future Histories - a two-person show celebrating abstraction and modernism. #contemporaryart #collage #atlgallery #modernism #abstraction #abstractart #constructivist #homage #modernist #buylocal #supportsmallbusiness

12/13/2021

This painting by @brendan_john_carroll is still available: Saint Ruth (2), 2021, oil, resin, and wax on canvas, 20”x16”, $1600. On view now in Brendan Carroll + Travis Medford: Future Histories. Support local businesses, please. #contemporaryart #contemporarypainting #abstraction #abstractpainting #stainedglass #graffiti #vandalism #atlgallery #buylocal

12/07/2021

@brendan_john_carroll , Saint Ruth (6), oil, resin, and wax on canvas, 19”x16”, $1600. Available for purchase! On view in Brendan Carroll + Travis Medford: Future Histories, through Dec 23. #contemporaryart #contemporarypainting #abstaction #abstractpainting #atlgallery #impasto #wax #modernist #raw #stainedglass #vandalism #graffiti #buylocal

12/03/2021

Selections from @travismedford ‘s collages on view in @brendan_john_carroll + Travis Medford: Future Histories. On view through Dec 23. Each collage, 5”x3”, mixed media, $100. DM for sales or appointments to see the show! #contemporaryart #collage #worksonpaper #atlgallery #modernism #smallscale #contemporaryartist #homage #lineandcolor #abstraction #abstractart #buylocal #affordableart

12/01/2021

@brendan_john_carroll , Saint Ruth (5), 2021, oil, resin, spray paint and wax on canvas, 20”x16”, $1600. On view now in Brendan Carroll + Travis Medford: Future Histories through Dec 23. Message me for sales inquiries. #contemporaryart #contemporarypainting #atlgallery #painting #impasto #textured #oilpainting #wax #saintruth #modernism #abstraction #buylocal

11/27/2021

I’m so overwhelmingly grateful this thanksgiving for my mom, Sylvia’s, improved health and new home at Azalea Estates; I’m so grateful for everyone’s thoughts, prayers, and wishes of health for her, and grateful even more for my sisters and for Jon: we’ve all been on this odyssey together. It surely does take a village and Monroe is a love-filled one in a crunch! I’m moved by so many friends of my mom’s rooting for her continued progress and checking in on her, sending flowers and treats. Sylvia is fortunate, too, to have such a devoted brother who keeps an eye on her even in his own infirmity. Such positive energy and reminders of the charms of Monroe from the platters of oysters, the Masur Museum, and a quick burger at the Aron’s pharmacy soda fountain. Many thinks especially to Tisha, Dinita, Eva, Pat, and new friends at Azalea. Some thanks, too, for Bingo and mom’s innate lucky streak! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. #thanksgiving #grateful #hometown #recovery #cranberryjuice #mums #mom #love #bayoudesiard #bayoudesiardcountryclub #aronspharmacygiftandgrill @masurmuseum

11/22/2021

A selection of @travismedford ‘s mixed media collages on view through Dec 23 in #futurehistories. Each image is 3”x5”, and $100. #contemporaryart #abstractart #worksonpaper #contemporaryartist #contemporarygallery #atlgallery #affordable #affordableart #supportlocalbusiness

11/12/2021

Another installation view of @brendan_john_carroll + @travismedford : future histories on view through Dec 23. Here’s a view of Travis’s #collage work in particular. Each piece 3”x5”, #mixedmedia , $100 each. #worksonpaper #contemporaryart #contemporarygallery #atlgallery #buylocal #abstraction #experimentation #smallscale #affordable #affordableart #seeitloveitbuyit

11/04/2021

Looking forward to seeing you for the opening of @brendan_john_carroll and @travismedford : #futurehistories at @poem_88 this Saturday November 6, 5:30-7pm, Suite 8C . #contemporaryart #contemporarypainting #collage #mixedmedia #atlgallery #fallexhibition #painting #saintruth #livemusic #atmospheric #masksrequired #buylocal #supportsmallbusiness

10/22/2021

@hannahetarr , Egg of Life, 2021, mixed media on canvas, 20”x16”, $1400. On view in Hannah Tarr: Angel of the Industrial Park through Saturday, Oct 30. Message the gallery to schedule a visit to the show and also for sales inquiries! #contemporaryart #contemporarypainting #provisionalpainting #atlartist #atlgallery #mixedmedia #colors #homage #paulklee #glitter #buylocal

10/16/2021

Tonight!! Available at the The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia - MOCA GA auction! Let's start bidding!! Works by Susan Cofer, Alexandra Hemrick McDaniel, Judy Henson, Hannah Leah Israel, Elizabeth Porcel, David Robinson, Hannah Tarr, Lisa Tuttle, Patricia Villafañe, and Orion Wertz!!

Ten thousand congratulations to Hannah Tarr and the same in thanks to Leia Genis for the stellar review in Burnaway. The...

10/14/2021

Hannah Tarr at Poem 88, Atlanta

Ten thousand congratulations to Hannah Tarr and the same in thanks to Leia Genis for the stellar review in Burnaway. There are still two weeks to see Hannah's magical show. DM to make an appointment or just give a heads-up when you're coming! Price list available on request, too!

Contributor Leia Genis reviews Hannah Tarr’s solo exhibition that explores angels, illness, and escape.

10/01/2021

This beauty by @hannahetarr titled #heart is on view through Oct 30 in her exhibit “Angel of the Industrial Park”. 60”x48”, 2021, mixed media on linen, $3600. The drawn line is especially compelling in this #painting We’ll be hosting an open house Saturday October 2 from 1-3pm. #atlgallery #atlartist #contemporaryart #contemporarypainting #mixedmedia #neon #faces #angel #eyes #expressionism #provisionalpainting #spontaneous #energetic #colors #skillful #buylocal #womensupportingwomen

Thank you, Felicia Feaster, for the AJC, for highlighting the important work of women curators and artists in Atlanta. I...

09/30/2021

Spotlight shines on women artists, curators and gallery owners this fall

Thank you, Felicia Feaster, for the AJC, for highlighting the important work of women curators and artists in Atlanta. I'm honored to be included in this group!

It’s become something of a cliché in the art world — because it has the ring of truth — that there are more naked women on gallery walls than there are women artists.

09/17/2021

This gorgeous painting by @hannahetarr titled “70 Valley Road,” 2021, mixed media on cotton voile, $3600 (60”x48”) is on view in her exhibit #angeloftheindustrialpark. Opening Sept 18, 4-6pm. Many gems like this to be found. #somuchtalent #seeitloveitbuyit #contemporaryart #atlartist #contemporarygallery #translucent #paintedstretchers #landscape #avantgarde #memory #childhoodmemory #wellspring #floatawaycommunity

09/13/2021

We are really looking forward to @hannahetarr : Angel of the Industrial Park opening this Saturday Sept 18, 4-6. Socially distant, vaccinated visitors please. #contemporaryart #contemporarypainting #contemporarygallery #mixedmedia #easelsize #wow #atlgallery #atlartist #provisional #abstraction #narrative #reminiscene #homage #paulklee #vibrant #exploratory #genius #somuchtalent #floatawaycommunity

09/10/2021

@binnski in conversation on Instagram Live. Saturday, Sept 11, 2:30pm . Join in ! #contemporaryart #contemporarygallery #atlartist #installation #socialjustice #redlining #personalstory

David Robinson's "Alluvium" on view through AUG 14 gets a STELLAR review from Jerry William Cullum for ARTSATL.org. Ther...

07/28/2021

Review: No two pieces alike in David Robinson's "Alluvium" at Poem 88 - ARTS ATL

David Robinson's "Alluvium" on view through AUG 14 gets a STELLAR review from Jerry William Cullum for ARTSATL.org. There are still many gorgeous works still available for purchase. DM for appointment times!!! https://www.artsatl.org/review-no-two-pieces-alike-in-david-robinsons-alluvium-at-poem-88/

The sculptures of Atlanta artist David Robinson in "Alluvium" at Poem 88 can be seen online but deserve to be seen in person.

07/14/2021

@davidrobinson1979 : #alluvium opened this past weekend. Here: Alluvium #12, 16.5” diameter, 7”D, $2400. Rondo in White #5, 11”diameter, 5”d, $$950. DM for the full exhibition checklist! #atlartist #contemporaryart #sculpture #clay #ceramics #terracotta #glazes #ephemera #detritus #organic #manmade #floatawaycommunity

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Our Story

Since 2010, Poem88 represents emerging and mid-career artists, and presents thoughtful and innovative explorations in a new artistic frontier. Writer and filmmaker, Robin Bernat, is the owner and curator.

2018 ushered in the re-organization of our roster of artists. Our exhibitions and programs are focused on inclusion. In keeping with current social and political developments, we feel it is keenly urgent to insure that women and cultural and ethnic minorities are amply represented and that projects addressing pressing social and political concerns are presented as often as exhibitions of a strictly formal nature. Thus, 68% of the artists on the Poem 88 roster are women. Additionally, 42% of our artists are 50 years of age or over.

When Poem 88 began in 2010, this curatorial project was focused on excellence in craftsmanship and concept. Nine years in, it is imperative that the project of Poem 88 adds to these goals a sense of fairness. Women artists especially are overlooked for inclusion in the programs of the most visible arts institutions in our city; and they deserve to be promoted by those institutions to the broader, national art world. If we are bothered by a lack of fairness in the larger world, and in the communities where we live and work, it is only appropriate that we challenge institutions, intended to serve our community, to model fairness toward our community.

Perhaps it goes without saying that Poem 88 is committed to showcasing the incredible talent that resides in metropolitan Atlanta. An avant garde expression has persisted in Atlanta's contemporary art scene since the 1970s. Through Poem 88, we hope to connect these artists with life-long collectors and those institutions that value the beauty, rigor, and risk inherent in their works of art.

We promote and pursue intriguing collaborations in all creative disciplines. Since 2014, Poem 88 EDITIONS affords such collaborations a national and global reach. We present musical performances, literary readings, and film screenings that further investigate thematic concerns; finally, we especially encourage discourse on contemporary art and art-making.

Robin Bernat is an artist and writer, as well as the owner and curator of Poem 88 gallery in Atlanta, Georgia. Her work has been exhibited locally, regionally, and nationally and has been collected by many important institutions including The Whitney Museum of American Art, The Kemper Museum of Art, The High Museum of Art, MOCA-GA, and The Weatherspoon Museum. Working primarily in film and video, Bernat’s work explores the fleeting and the provisional. She is represented locally by Whitespace gallery.

From 1992-2001, she was the proprietor of Circle B Press, a cooperative printmaking studio and publisher. From 2000-2005, Bernat was an instructor in the Atlanta Film Festival (formerly IMAGE Film and Video) Media program teaching filmmaking to under-served teens, and facilitating a discussion group on films of the avant-garde. From 2004-2006, she was the Manager of Youth and Family programs at the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University creating educational programs, workshops, and publications focused on the museum's collections of antiquities.

In the Atlanta community, Bernat served for many years on the Board of Directors of Art Papers magazine initiating their public program Art Papers Live. She also served on the advisory board of Nexus Press and was vice chair of the Twentieth Century Art Society of the High Museum of Art. She is a graduate of The University of Georgia and The Atlanta College of Art. In 1988-89, she completed coursework toward an MA in Art History at Emory University; in 2001, she was a Visiting Artist at the American Academy in Rome. She has twice been an artist-in-residence at the Kemper Museum of Art.