CITYist

When the right two artists come together in collaboration, the end result is often a celebration of two like minds. Do Not Abandon Me, a 16-piece series of drawings by Louise Bourgeois and Tracey Emin, reflects just that and more. The gouache drawings by Bourgeois, which Emin “responded” to with handwritten text, overlaid line drawings and more gouache, are also the culmination of a genuine friendship. Despite a 50 year age gap, Bourgeois and Emin’s collaboration revolves around their similar studies of sexuality, attachment and abandonment, and longing for a connection with another. Drawings of a pregnant female torso, whose scrawls read “I Lost You,” and in another, “I Wanted to Love You More,” combine Bourgeois’ penchant for the human form and Emin’s blatantly-honest, confession-like statements. The drawings, which were created throughout 2009-2010, are also some of Bourgeois’ last works before her death earlier this year. The exhibit is on view at Carolina Nitsch (534 W. 22nd Street) through November 13th, and is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue, published by the gallery. For more details, view their website here.