Newark’s vibrant contemporary art scene is currently showcasing a compelling solo exhibition, “Fine Line”, by 2025 Artist-in-Residence Jake Troyli. On view at Project for Empty Space (PES) through January 18, 2026, the exhibition represents a striking departure from Troyli’s signature grand, saturated paintings, instead highlighting his mastery of monochromatic drawings as a primary body of work.
Located at 800 Broad Street, Newark, PES offers visitors an intimate yet thought-provoking experience. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, inviting art lovers, critics, and the curious public to explore the depth and nuance of Troyli’s new approach. For those looking for more ways to experience art and culture in New Jersey, Explore New Jersey Art & Culture provides extensive listings of exhibitions, events, and creative opportunities throughout the state.
A New Visual Language
At the core of “Fine Line” is Troyli’s exploration of identity, vulnerability, and empowerment through what he calls “elastic avatars”—distorted self-portraits that bend, stretch, and morph across the page. These figures serve as both alter egos and narrative devices, allowing the artist to probe personal and societal themes with humor, tension, and intelligence. Drawing inspiration from MAD magazine and political cartoons, Troyli’s work often reads like an abstracted storyboard, inviting viewers to piece together narratives from non-sequential frames.
Murals That Speak to the Community
The exhibition also features two large-scale murals, demonstrating Troyli’s technical skill and innovative approach. One mural is interactive, aligning with PES’s longstanding mission of community engagement, encouraging visitors to participate in the artwork and reflect on their own connection to urban space. The second mural delivers a satirical critique of contemporary capitalism, depicting a cartoonish Jersey City in overdrive, complete with an executive-masked figure swinging on a wrecking ball into a towering building. These murals echo the Northern Renaissance style in their technical precision while maintaining a bold, contemporary edge.
Critical Acclaim
Critics have praised Troyli’s “Fine Line” for its balance of dark humor and serious thematic exploration, calling it a “grand amalgamation of pen strokes” that captures paranoia, social performance, and the complexity of self-presentation in the modern world. By presenting these drawings in a gallery-focused format, Troyli challenges audiences to engage with the subtleties of line, form, and narrative, all while navigating a visually playful yet conceptually weighty terrain.
Why Visit
“Fine Line” is an essential stop for anyone exploring New Jersey’s cutting-edge art scene. Troyli’s work not only showcases technical proficiency but also encourages reflection on identity, society, and the power dynamics inherent in urban life. Whether you are a local resident, a student of contemporary art, or a visiting tourist, the exhibition offers a rich, layered experience that underscores Newark’s growing reputation as a cultural hub.
Visitors can experience the full impact of Troyli’s work in person at PES, where each drawing, mural, and interactive piece reveals new insights upon closer examination. The exhibition’s combination of humor, critical commentary, and striking visual design makes it a standout for the 2025-26 season, highlighting why Newark continues to attract innovative artists and thoughtful audiences alike.
For more details about exhibitions, programs, and cultural events across the state, including other must-see galleries and artist showcases, explore New Jersey Art & Culture.
