Iconomancy
A solo exhibition by Kyle Kogut.
In ICONOMANCY, interdisciplinary artist Kyle Kogut uses the symbols of the Occult and Christianity, art historical motifs, and the ubiquitous iconography of media to explore American myth and despair. A solo exhibition of new two and three dimensional objects, Kogut’s works examine the disturbing effects of zealotry and perpetuation of (false) American ideals. Presented as a ritualistic space, Kogut’s work elevates the low, folk, horror, and pop to objects of worship.
Raised a devout Roman Catholic and the son of an auto mechanic, Kogut critiques American religiosity by exploring the weaponization of nostalgia for a past that never existed and a loss of faith. Kogut’s work acts as an antithesis to the “In God We Trust” of nationalist propaganda created through a lens of working class identity and media consumption. ICONOMANCY presents the contradictions embedded in the American psyche, confronting the failure of exceptionalism and intersection of the sacred and secular.
ICONOMANCY was on view at The Information Space from May 3rd through May 31st, 2025. The Opening reception was held on May 3rd, 2025 from 5-8pm at 2024 E. Westmoreland Ave, Philadelphia, PA.
About the Artist:
Kyle Kogut (b. 1990) graduated with an MFA from the Mount Royal School of Art multidisciplinary program at MICA in 2016. He received his BFA from Tyler School of Art in 2012. His work has been included in group shows nationally and has had solo and two person exhibitions in Baltimore, Chicago, Philadelphia, College Park MD, Detroit, Richmond, New York City, and Wilmington NC. Kogut was a member of FJORD in Philadelphia, attended residencies at the Summer Studio Program at the Anderson at VCU in 2019 and the Summer Residency Program at the Wassaic Project in 2022. He currently resides in Norfolk, VA and is an Assistant Professor of Drawing and Foundations at Old Dominion University.
About The Information Space:
The Information Space (Info) is an artist-run gallery and event space in Port Richmond Philadelphia. Started in 2019, we provide a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work in a supportive environment. Always encouraging artists to blur the line between studio and gallery, challenge the conventional, and push the boundaries of their creativity. We believe that experimentation finds new depths of intrigue within the structured confines of a gallery space, and it is our mission to celebrate and champion such innovative expressions.