As we watch the closing of the excellent “Garden We Grow” exhibit made by Lyrical Dream Gist ‘26, the Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for Arts turns its attention to its museum exhibitions.
Opening Feb. 3 and remaining open for the majority of this spring semester, these two exhibits both explore culture and how culture is remembered.
“Shaping Identity: Korean Print in Diaspora” and “Creating Hope & Memory: Mixed Media Works of Melanie A. Yazzie” are both a great culmination of an expansive number of artists’ works.
“Creating Hope & Memory: Mixed Media Works of Melanie A. Yazzie” is a collection based on Yazzie’s experience growing up visiting her grandparents’ farm. Yazzie showcases in her collection inspiration from a passion with animals and Navajo prayers.
Her hope for this installation was that everyone from all walks of life can view her art and find a connection to her memories. The details of her life growing up can be seen in the collection through her unique style and use of media.
Details noticed in a walk-through was Yazzie’s use of printing specific elements that tied her pieces together cohesively.
The most impressive display is located on the back wall titled, Prayers and Blessings. It’s 30 pieces all tied together with clothespins attached, similar to that of a clothesline. Each piece seems to be a collage, and Yazzie’s use of color is the highlight.
Though extremely colorful and spectacular to look at, this display utilizes blocks of gray intentionally, like blocks in one’s memory. Yazzie is honoring memory, specifically her own, in this collection.
Though mixed media can be a mess when done without intention, Yazzie’s work is something worth to take a pause at and revel in her use of space. The composition of her works are thought-provoking.
The positive message of her collection is a breath of relief, just as the “Garden We Grow” was. The colors, the subject matter and the intent and rawness in those exhibits are needed in art at the moment.
“Shaping Identity: Korean Print in Diaspora” is to note because of the craftsmanship and detailed portrayal of identity.
This exhibit includes works from Tschang Yeul Kim, Kakyoung Lee, U-fan Lee, Jiha Moon, Yoonmi Nam, Nam June Paik, Jean Shin, Joo Yeon Woo and Jayoung Yoon. Exhibit labels were produced by past students.
The entrance exhibit description states this collection has “themes of displacement, memory, cultural hybridity, and belonging.” We see a mix of traditional Korean art methods like calligraphy, folk patterns, and religious/philosophical motifs. It also blends Western pop culture and digital art.
To me, there are no standout pieces, separating itself from the rest. Each piece tells its own story in the artist’s respective style. The mixed media of this exhibit is more exciting than the last due to the collaboration of different perspectives.
The pieces in this collection all vary in their history and date. Some pieces were donated, dating back farther than some of the more modern pieces.
Discussion between artists and cohesive visual dialogue is not apparent in this collection, but the themes in every piece are all a revelation that the audience can enjoy and think of for days after viewing.
Tradition and modernity are embraced by all artists, and if there is any exhibit to visit in your spare time, I urge you to visit this one.
Both exhibits are to be featured at respective evening celebrations and discussions with the artists. Appreciating art, especially art with themes that hit close to home, is the perfect way to spend your time.
