Karen Comer Lowe’s curatorial selection for the first Atlanta Art Fair highlights two artists— Pam Longobardi and Navin Norling—whose works deeply resonate with contemporary global themes while representing the rich cultural fabric of Atlanta. Their contributions to the art world are marked by a commitment to addressing critical societal issues through a variety of mediums, engaging audiences both locally and internationally.Pam Longobardi’s work is deeply rooted in environmental activism. Her early connection to water—her parents being an ocean lifeguard and Delaware state diving champion—has been a lifelong influence on her artistic practice. In 2006, after discovering vast amounts of plastic debris on Hawaiian shores, Longobardi founded the Drifters Project, an initiative that has since become a global collaborative effort to remove plastic from the environment and transform it into social sculpture. Her interdisciplinary practice spans painting, collage, sculpture, installation, and performance, and her efforts have earned international recognition, including being featured in National Geographic and exhibitions worldwide. Longobardi’s work critically engages with issues of globalism and conservation, and her role as a Distinguished University Professor at Georgia State University underscores her commitment to education and activism.Navin Norling’s work stands in contrast, using humor and irony to interrogate the fabric of American culture. He assembles fragments of Americana, blending urban grit with rural relics to create provocative sculptures and paintings. His installations are rich with layers of cultural signifiers—graffiti, pop iconography, race, and class—offering a dynamic and critical commentary on the complexities of American identity. Norling’s ability to fuse urban detritus with the imagery of rural America creates a powerful anthology of the country’s cultural landscape, offering both a personal and collective reflection on issues of power, geography, and inequality. Together, Longobardi and Norling represent the innovative ethos of Atlanta’s art scene while making global contributions to contemporary art. 

Pam Longobardi Anxiety of Appetite

Navin Norling Untitled, Installation