Cincinnati has two powerful exhibitions currently showing. The way I see other artists’ work, exhibitions and shows helps to advance my own thinking and work as an artist.
In this blog post I’ll share my thoughts on these exhibitions and hope that this will encourage others to view them.
Cincinnati Art Museum
David Driskell: Icons of Nature and History
February 25–May 15, 2022
David Driskell (1931–2020) was one of the most revered American artists of his generation, long recognized for his vibrant and versatile work as a painter and printmaker. His art combines keen observations of America with the imagery and aesthetic innovations of the African diaspora.
The exhibition brings together 58 pieces created during his distinguished career from oil painting to encaustic and collage to woodcut. Driskell was a distinguished professor of art at the University of Maryland; he also taught at Fisk University, Howard University and Talladega College. He spent every summer at his home and studio in Maine. He was honored by President Bill Clinton with the Presidential Medal as one of 12 recipients of the National Humanities Award (2000).
I feel his work was just as strong in his 20’s as it was before he died at 88: Strength of composition with positive and negative space; storytelling and symbolism that is both obvious and subtle, and intense color and texture surrounded by solid blacks and whites in perfect balance. I was unaware of his work prior to this show but look forward to studying about Driskell.
Contemporary Art Center, Cincinnati
The Regional
December 10, 2021 – March 20, 2022
The Regional is a major multi-museum survey dedicated to contemporary artists based in the Midwest and features new and recent work by approximately 25 artists working across painting, photography, installation, and performance. This exhibition will make you reconsider what the Midwest is in terms of art and might become in the future.
Devan Shimoyama – he questions how his identity is seen in an area often described by its heteronormative whiteness. These paintings help normalize the questioning of identity and give voice to marginalized communities. The painting titled “Black Gentleman” includes: oil color pencil, collage, glitter, rhinestones, sequins, jewelry, fabric, and Flashe on canvas.
Anissa R. Lewis – she is deeply invested in the power of place with her hometown community, reconciling her memories of the past with her neighborhood’s changing social fabric which is shown in her photography.
Margo Wolowiec - “Wandering Path” - She uses handwoven polymer, linen, dye sublimation ink, acrylic paint, deadstock organic cotton, reflective mylar from emergency preparedness kits, sterling silver leafed thread, and mounted on linen support.
Forbes Magazine wrote an excellent article about the exhibition and the Contemporary Art Center. Read or listen here.
