‘MELIORISM’ Group Show Curated By Thinkspace Projects @ Harman Projects [NYC]

I once saw a video by an anthropologist – it may have been the late David Graeber – who posed the question about the best way to study a species. The gist of the argument is that if you wish to determine their natural tendencies, the most accurate approach is to analyze an animal within their natural environment and not in some fabricated, unnatural conditions or captivity. 

Those who benefit from oppression and inequality have always rationalized their actions by pushing the narrative that greed, callousness, and the hoarding of resources are baked into human nature. The truth of the matter is that capitalism requires a permanent and exploited underclass to sustain itself. As individuals, we are born into an unnatural environment and an established set of rules that are applied unevenly throughout society. We are discouraged from uniting in any way that could threaten capital; instead, we are sold a divisive message of individualism in which your neighbors are obstacles, if not enemies, and everyone except the ruling class is competition for your basic survival.

The truth is that without this sort of corrosive programming and systemic classism, humans naturally display collaborative and caregiving impulses. We are communal beings. Studies show that innovation is advantaged more by the sharing of information and an incentive to benefit the collective than brutal competition and a drive to conquer one another. In these times when the world continues to be torn apart by violence and terror, hope can be found in the responses of neighbors protecting one another from tyrannical foot soldiers or through international collectives sailing on flotillas to deliver aid to civilians in foreign countries ravaged by horrific military violence and/or terrorized by murderous sanctions. Hope can be found in hope itself.

The term “MELIORISM” is defined as “the quiet yet unwavering belief that the world, despite its flaws and struggles, can be made better through human effort, kindness, and wisdom.“

This weekend, a group exhibition titled “MELIORISM” will open that embodies the “philosophical belief that the world can be made better by human effort – that progress is possible and that improvement in society, morality, or the human condition is achievable over time.“

Curated by Thinkspace Projects and hosted by Harman Projects in NYC, the exhibition will showcase the work of 72 artists creating through this optimistic lens.

Featured Artists:
Abars | AnimalItoLand | Alex Achaval | Raymond Argumedo | Cheese Arnon I Chris Austin | Allison Bamcat | Craig ‘Skibs’ Barker | Morgan Booth | BREK | Rachael Bridge | Ezra Brown | Stephanie Buer | Bumblebeelovesyou | Michael Camarra | Simona Candini | Darel Carey | Jose Luis Ceña | Fernando Chamarelli | Jon Ching | Crisselle | Cryptik | Gerlanda di Francia | Christina Dias | Emily Ding | Amanda Estrada | Ken Flewellyn | Liz Flores | Katie Gamb | Alex Garant | Paul Garcia | Caroline Gaudreault | Frank Gonzales | GoopMassta | Shinnosuke Hariya | Sally Hastings | Briana Hertzog | Martin Hsu | Anthony Hurd | Brandon Hurley | Blake Jones | Alex Kuno | Jolene Lai | Edith Lebeau | Laura Leigh | Erica Rose Levine | Scott Listfield | Huntz Liu | Jesus Lopez | Steve Martinez | Eli McMullen | Shane Mesquit | Vanessa Michiels | Tommy Mitchell | Fumi Nakamura | Naoshi | The Obanoth (aka Hannah Webb) | Roxy Peroxyde | Allison Reimold | Regan Russell | Willis Salomon | Rachel Silva | Stom500 | Mister Toledo | Nadine Tralala | Shar Tui’asoa | Jacqueline Valenzuela | Kelly Vivanco | John Walker | Taylor White | S.V. Williams | Manuel Zamudio

Check out a selection of preview images below the following event details…

WHAT:

MELIORISM
group show curated by Thinkspace Projects

WHEN:

Opening reception:
Saturday, March 21, 2026
6pm – 8pm

WHERE:

Harman Projects
210 Rivington Street 
New York, NY 10002

PHONE: (212) 477 4759
EMAIL: info(at)harmanprojects.com

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Opening is FREE and open to the pubic
Exhibition runs until April 11th, 2026
Gallery Hours:
This location is open by appointment Tuesday to Saturday