Art Review: Derek Fordjour's prayer room has a sense of abandoned ritual

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Holland Cotter

Derek Fordjour, ‘Upper Room’(Ends Nov. 28), Robert Blumenthal Gallery, 1045 Madison Avenue, near 80th Street, Manhattan

NEW YORK---Entering Derek Fordjour’s “Upper Room” from Madison Avenue is like changing planets. This installation is partly autobiographical. Mr. Fordjour grew up in Memphis, a child of Ghanaian immigrants. “Upper Room” refers to places of worship: a prayer room in his family home and church revival meetings in forest clearings. If he had overstated his basic image, or editorialized on it, the piece would have landed with a thud. He has trusted in the truth of materials to tell a story, and they do. [link]