Critical Translations: art that examines our social world
The Katherine E. Nash Gallery is pleased to present Critical Translations, an exhibition that features art that examines our social world. The exhibition opens January 16 and runs through February 15, 2007. A public reception is scheduled for Friday, January 26 from 6 – 8: 30 pm.
Panel Discussion: A pre-reception panel discussion about art and social change is scheduled for Friday, January 26 from 3-5:30 pm, In-flux room, Regis Center for Art and will feature artists Sue Coe and Shana Kaplow and curator Don Russell from Provisions Library in Wash., D.C. Other artists and Critical Translations curators will also participate in the discussion.
Please note new gallery hours at the Nash: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm
Critical Translations presents art that seeks, encourages and sometimes demands our engagement with the world around us. While socially engaged art is not new, increasing global dislocation and growing social anxiety suggests that an exhibition with this lens is urgently needed. The curators have selected a combination of national and local work that uniquely responds to and investigates contemporary social issues in visually compelling ways.
Today, social conflicts are numerous: the Iraq war, a growing gap between rich and poor (as publicly revealed by Hurricane Katrina), expanding environmental degradation, ethnic tension and the limitations of our rights in a post 9/11 world. These issues warrant a serious examination of artistic responses, particularly as contemporary artists creatively employ traditional as well as new media to critique, reflect and act on our changing world. Moreover, this art challenges viewers to come and participate, to respond critically and act on their reflections.
Art can make visible what remains hidden in our culture. Art can bring attention to and make space around something that has been distorted by ideology, ignored under the staggering weight of information, violently repressed by censorious governments, disregarded by an apathetic populace, or obscenely misrepresented in the media.
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From the exhibition catalogue essay by Jane Blocker
Funding for the exhibition made possible by the University of Minnesota McKnight Arts and Humanities Endowment
"Hooded Captives" by Martha Rosle
