Pace Prints Presents “Downforce”: Michael Kagan’s Formula One-Inspired Collages on Panel

Pace Prints is proud to present Downforce, an exhibition showcasing 16 new collages on panel by Brooklyn-based artist Michael Kagan, on display from March 21 to April 26, 2025, at 536 West 22nd Street. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, March 20 from 6-8pm.

Celebrating the High-Octane World of Formula One

Known for his expressive and meticulous paintings, Kagan’s work explores the individuals and technologies pushing the boundaries of human capability. For his first solo exhibition with Pace Prints, Kagan turns his focus to the exhilarating realm of Formula One racing, a global phenomenon known for its unrivaled intensity, speed, and stakes.

In this exhibition, Kagan captures the raw emotional essence of the sport—from triumph to catastrophe—and probes our fascination with the extremes of human experience. Downforce, the exhibition’s title, refers to the aerodynamic force that Formula One cars harness to reach astonishing speeds and exemplifies Kagan’s exploration of the tension between control and surrender.

A Unique Emergence with Pace Prints

Kagan worked closely with the Pace Prints team over two years to develop a distinctive multi-process printmaking technique. Hand-painted and squeegeed monoprints were hand-cut and transformed into intricate collages, resulting in visually tantalizing pieces that blur the line between abstraction and representation.

Iconic Racing Moments, Captivating Portraits

The exhibition features instantly recognizable portraits of legendary Formula One drivers, conveying their identities through the colors and sponsorship logos on their uniforms. By leaving their helmets on, Kagan elevates these athletes to a heroic realm, recalling the grandeur of ancient bust portraiture and creating a universal resonance beyond the realm of sports fans.

Impression

Through Downforce, Michael Kagan masterfully distills the exhilaration and drama of Formula One racing, offering a dynamic and thought-provoking collection of works that capture the essence of the human drive to push boundaries and pursue greatness.