Art often serves as the preferred vehicle for self-expression. Some want the flashy sports car type while others desire the sensible and long lasting Goodyear Blimp.
It would be accurate to describe the newest show at ≠Magnifico! as one of those old Volkswagen buses. It may not appeal to everyone, but upon closer examination, those familiar with them express great satisfaction and appreciation.
Living in the Heart, Practicing Tolerance is a mixed media show featuring individual and collaborative works by six artists, including some UNM faculty, displayed in four suites.
Media is truly mixed within the exhibit's pieces. Photography, lithography, etchings, charcoal and even quite a bit of poetry and poetic prose make an appearance. The show's subject matter is, by nature, complex, and all of the text featured not only adds to the overall quality, but also provides an essential dimension to several of the works.
The combination of literature and visual media is a successful endeavor within the show.
Reflexiones del Coraz¢n, one of the show's four suites, features a cache of prints, photographs and some delicate and distinctly Southwestern poetic prose by Gabriel MelÇndez, Chairman of UNM's American Studies Department.
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MelÇndez collaborated with UNM photojournalism professor Miguel Gandert and lithographer Mar°a Baca to produce the suite. Each of the artists selected an area of New Mexico that was dear to their hearts and compiled words and images describing each of the three locations.
"It was a very enriching experience, you can see it in the work," Melendez said.
The quality of Reflexiones del Coraz¢n is evident. The collection has been shown around the state and at the University of Puerto Rico.
However, many of the show's other works are being exhibited for the first time, which in and of itself is a good reason to attend the show. Almost all the works in the show are acquisitions of the Albuquerque Museum.
Jim Moore, director of the Albuquerque Museum and ≠Magnifico! board member, pointed out no one piece or suite exemplifies the show. Rather, all works play an equal role in establishing the show's ambiance.
"I'm curious as to how it (the exhibit) will be perceived," Moore said.
The show does succeed on many levels. It brings a nice balance of material that is pleasing to both mind and eye. The exhibit is also a type of social success because it is paid for by the city. During a time when the city budget is in question, and several social programs fear some type of cut, it is nice to see art is still worth throwing some change toward.
The show is definitely worth attending. Subject matter is understandable and the artists' varied techniques really give you something to absorb. It is too bad none of them attended the show's reception, which must have been disappointing to both exhibit organizers and patrons.
Living in the Heart, Practicing Tolerance will be on display through March 23. Admission is free and its open to the public. ≠Magnifico! artspace is open from 12-5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday at 516 Central Ave. SW.
