ACRYLICS: Hidden Sculptural Art
An immersive exhibition and art history book release positioning nail sculpture as fine art. A.I.R. Gallery, New York, February 2024.
Nail sculpture, on the gallery wall.
ACRYLICS: Hidden Sculptural Art opened at A.I.R. Gallery as our inaugural culture activation: an immersive exhibition paired with the release of ACRYLICS the Book, an art history book positioning nail sculpture as fine art.
What makes it fine art?
Nail art is sculpted, painted, and designed by hand, yet it is rarely shown where fine art is shown. Hidden Sculptural Art placed nail sculpture in a gallery and documented its history in print.
The exhibition opened Nail Networks™ public-benefit programming: showcases that give artists a stage and connect the industry's small businesses with the tools to grow.
At a Glance
The first Nail Networks™ culture activation.
An art history book released alongside the exhibition.
Beyond the Brush, presented with Shopify New York.
Nail sculpture shown in a New York gallery setting.
Beyond the Brush with Shopify New York
Alongside the exhibition, Beyond the Brush connected nail artists and salon owners with commerce tools as part of the Small Business Advancement Summit.
Our Commitment to Social Impact
Every Nail Networks™ exhibition is measured against our Greater Good Goals, aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Here is how Hidden Sculptural Art contributed.
- SDG4
Quality Education
ACRYLICS the Book records nail sculpture's history as an art form, creating a learning resource for artists and the public.
- SDG8
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Beyond the Brush connected nail artists and salon owners with commerce tools to grow their businesses.
- SDG10
Reduced Inequalities
Gave a gallery stage to an art form, and a workforce, often left out of fine art spaces.
- SDG11
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Treated nail art as cultural heritage worth exhibiting and preserving in New York's arts community.
- SDG17
Partnerships for the Goals
Delivered with A.I.R. Gallery and Shopify New York.
Featured Talent
Hidden Sculptural Art debuted nail artists working in sculpture across modern and fine art mediums. Artist profiles from the exhibition are published in Featured Talent.
All featured talentContributors
- A.I.R. GalleryHost venue
- Shopify New YorkBeyond the Brush partner
- Nail Networks™Social impact program
- ACRYLICSPresenting platform and book
- Vision Creative GroupProducer
Social Impact Scorecard
Our Greater Good Goals scorecard tracks each exhibition against the UN Sustainable Development Goals it serves.
| Goal | How Hidden Sculptural Art contributed | Status |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | ACRYLICS the Book records nail sculpture's history as an art form, creating a learning resource for artists and the public. | Delivered |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Beyond the Brush connected nail artists and salon owners with commerce tools to grow their businesses. | Delivered |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Gave a gallery stage to an art form, and a workforce, often left out of fine art spaces. | Delivered |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Treated nail art as cultural heritage worth exhibiting and preserving in New York's arts community. | Delivered |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Delivered with A.I.R. Gallery and Shopify New York. | Delivered |
Campaign FAQs
- Where and when was it held?
- At A.I.R. Gallery in New York, opening in February 2024.
- What was on view?
- An immersive exhibition of nail sculpture, presented with the release of ACRYLICS the Book, an art history book positioning nail sculpture as fine art.
- What was Beyond the Brush?
- A Small Business Advancement Summit program with Shopify New York that connected nail artists and salon owners with commerce tools.
- Can I still see the work?
- The exhibition has closed. The full story lives in our newsroom, and new showcases are announced to newsletter subscribers first.
- How can I support future exhibitions?
- Sponsors, donors, and social-impact partners fund Nail Networks™ programming. Reach out through our contact page to partner with us.
More from Nail Networks™
Public-benefit exhibitions, workshops, and career programming for rising talent, nail artists, and small business owners in the nail and beauty industry.
