Vertical Gallery, Flog rejoin forces for NYC solo showcase ‘Hand in Hand’ 

Vertical Gallery, Chicago’s premier urban-contemporary art gallery, is very proud to present ‘Hand in Hand,’ French painter Flog’s debut New York City solo exhibition. 

‘Hand in Hand,’ on display May 8–24 at 2 Rivington Street on New York’s Lower East Side, spotlights Flog’s signature Human of Glass character, within whose transparent, genderless body the colors and complexities of life swirl and splash. Vertical toasts Flog’s Big Apple premiere with an opening-night reception on Thursday, May 8 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. 

‘Hand in Hand’ follows close to 18 months after Flog’s first-ever U.S. solo showcase, the sold-out ‘Rewind,’ presented by Vertical at SCOPE Miami Beach 2023. While ‘Rewind’ drew visual and thematic inspiration from formative events in Flog’s adolescence, ‘Hand in Hand’ occupies our present moment, focusing squarely on the Human of Glass and the character’s interactions with a pair of giant-sized, color-filled glass hands. 

“‘Hand in Hand’ explores the contrast between the hands and the character, and their difference in size emphasizes the difference between power and weakness — who has the power, and who doesn't,” says Flog, born Florian Gaborit. “There's also a focus on how hands link people. There’s holding hands, of course, as well as how we communicate with our hands. You can send a reassuring message. You can display the peace symbol. You can also give someone the middle finger. Hands are such a powerful symbol and storytelling tool. They convey so many emotions, both positive and negative.” 

Subtle, gradient colors dominate ‘Hand in Hand’ — a sharp turn from the dayglo tints and tones of ‘Rewind.’ “It’s a whole new color palette. There’s not just one flat green or one flat blue, and there’s much more work with the spray can,” Flog says. “I’m always in search of new colors, and I love to experiment. I’m sure the show after this one will have a different color palette, too.” 

New York City has its fingerprints all over ‘Hand in Hand’ as well. “Never would I have imagined that something like this exhibition with Vertical Gallery would happen. I’m a bit speechless about this incredible opportunity,” Flog says. “New York is one of the biggest cities in the world, and these concepts of gigantism and reducing the scale of my character come directly from wondering if I will feel like an ant in that environment. But I’m confident I’m showing the New York audience something new — something very different than everything I’ve done before.” 

Flog studied graphic design at Nantes’ École Pivaut before pursuing a career as a painter. His deft, dazzling blend of aerosol spray, acrylics and oils gained international attention following the 2020 introduction of the Human of Glass series, and two years later he made his Vertical debut via the gallery’s nine-year anniversary group show, inaugurating a collaboration that continues to deepen with each passing year. Flog has also exhibited his work in Paris, Rome and Taipei, among other international destinations. 

FLOG 'Hand in Hand'
May 8-24, 2025
Opening reception with the artist: Thurs May 8, 5:00-8:00pm
Vertical Gallery Pop-Up Space: 2 Rivington St., Lower East Side, NYC
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