Mala Iqbal: "Among Us"

JJ Murphy Gallery, 53 Stanton St, 10002, New York City

September 9, 2026 – October 10, 2026

JJ MURPHY GALLERY is pleased to present “Among Us," Mala Iqbal’s second solo exhibition at the gallery. The show of recent paintings opens Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 6 to 8 PM and runs from September 10 through October 10. Gallery hours are Thursday–Saturday, 12–6 PM. The title suggests a sense of shared community, embodied in Iqbal's large painting “Subway Riders" (2026), depicting a diverse group of people in a crowded subway car. However, it also hints at the potential fracture of community and threats to it. Iqbal's paintings reflect deep empathy for subjects brutalized by war and violence. Her work combines political themes with expressionistic styles, showcasing the diverse faces of New York City. Several paintings depict indifference to suffering and protest rallies, while others tell open narratives. Iqbal's recent works are described as both a love letter to NYC and an acknowledgment of the unease and violence in the world.