Cultural Counsel’s Post

Oracles Prophesying the 2024 Art Market in the attached article: My Three Cents: (i) Buy art from those who are uplifting humanity - they deserve your investment more than anyone else; (ii) Support BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ & Women who have dedicated their lives to being full-time working artists - they struggle the most; (iii) and, buy pieces that have the power to shift narratives and inspire the world - We all need it - desperately - right now more than ever before. Lesley, Atma & Alchemy Art

**UPDATE: While the workshop is now full, we encourage folks who are interested to sign up for the waiting list in case a spot is released!** Ever wanted to work at an art gallery but don’t know where to start? Want to get more familiar with power tools? Join us to learn the basics of becoming an arts industry professional with a focus on art handling and art preparation skills. In this workshop we will go over how to repair walls after an exhibition, basic power tool use, and what to carry in your tool kit! We will also cover topics such as artwork packing, installation techniques of framed and non framed works, and light artworks for exhibitions. This workshop will include instruction and hands on elements. This is a FREE workshop; no prior skills are necessary. We strongly encourage BIPOC, queer, trans and non-binary people, and women to participate. This event is wheelchair accessible. Spots are limited; please only register if you know you are available to attend. If the workshop is full, you will be placed on a waitlist and contacted if a spot becomes available. If you need to cancel, please email saccityarts@cityofsacramento.org as soon as possible so that we can release your spot to someone else. Failure to notify OAC in advance may result in you being unable to register for future workshops. To register: https://lnkd.in/gwBpiK3m

The emergence and development of any art form are always intertwined with various social and cultural phenomena of their time, and artistic representations of women are no exception. https://ow.ly/kpUF50RJCfr

The history of tea recounts three patriarchs - Shennong, Lu Yu and Damo - representing Daoist, Ruist and Buddhist thought. Yet, tea is widely seen as feminine. I've often wondered if the answer is to be found in the question posed by Sherry Ortner way back in 1972, "Is Female to Male as Nature is to Culture?" Whether in China's Tang dynasty or during the British adoption of tea drinking, tea allowed for a greater sense of social participation for women. Meanwhile, the labor forces of colonial tea plantations consisted predominantly of native women. Scholar Ma Zhen recently took on this question of tea and gender in southwest China's Yunnan Province here: https://lnkd.in/gZsVTq3g Provocatively, I recall a comment by environmental historian of China, Mark Elvin, that "classical Chinese culture was as hostile to forests as it was fond of individual trees." I mean this not as a slight towards China so much as a general inquiry into the intersection of aesthetic expression and social practice.

Ever stood in front of a masterpiece and wondered, "What makes this so special? 👀 The answer lies in the fascinating world of art theory. Art theory is like the secret code that unlocks the meaning behind masterpieces. It provides a framework for understanding the concepts and ideas that artists use to create their work. Here are a few intriguing art theories to ponder: ✔️ Formalism: Think of a painting where the colors, shapes, and lines create a harmonious composition without any clear narrative. ✔️Expressionism: Ever felt the raw emotion in a painting or sculpture? Expressionism suggests that art is a form of emotional release, allowing artists to express their inner thoughts and feelings. ✔️Institutional Theory: Imagine a piece of art that gains recognition and value simply because it's displayed in a prestigious museum. ✔️Feminist Art Theory: Feminist art theory explores how art has been used to represent and challenge gender roles and stereotypes. Which art theory resonates with you the most? #arttheory #artcriticism #aesthetics #arthistory #ArtSi

In her essay "Why I Write," Joan Didion encapsulates the essence of expression and observation, stating, "I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means." This introspective journey resonates profoundly with the works of the women artists featured in "What She Means," an exhibition that delves into the depths of female identity, perception, and articulation. It offers a kaleidoscopic view of what it means to be a woman in today's world. The exhibition's title, "What She Means," serves as both a question and a statement. It challenges us to consider the significance of women's voices in art and culture. What does she mean when she paints a canvas with bold strokes of color? What does she mean when she sculpts figures that defy conventional forms? What does she mean when she captures moments of vulnerability through her lens? Each piece in this collection is a testament to the multifaceted nature of female expression. Cultivate Art #art #collectors #EmergingArt #Exhibition

The evolving role of self-portraiture in our age of selfies and social media is more than just a trend; it's a powerful reflection of our identities and experiences. Artists featured in the Beyond Likeness exhibition challenge traditional views, using their work to explore themes of gender, culture, and personal history. As we navigate through their artworks—ranging from performance pieces to striking sculptures—we're prompted to think about how we represent ourselves and the narratives we create. What’s even more compelling is how these diverse artists share their personal stories and struggles, inviting us all to reflect on our own experiences and connections. So, where do you stand? Are we truly beyond likeness, or does traditional representation still hold value in exploring personal identity? Join the conversation and let’s dive deeper into this fascinating dialogue. 🤔✨ #ArtMatters #Identity #Representation #SelfPortraiture #BeyondLikeness #ArtCommunity https://lnkd.in/gFFUhBSj

People with visible differences put in the frame 💫 Jono Lancaster's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and self-acceptance. Living with Treacher Collins syndrome, Jono has faced numerous challenges, but his proactive approach to creating positive interactions is truly inspiring. By smiling and engaging with people before they can react, he takes control of the narrative and fosters understanding. The Rarely Reframed project by Ceridwen Hughes beautifully captures the stories of individuals with visible differences, challenging societal biases and celebrating uniqueness. Jono's encounters, especially with curious children, highlight how simple, honest conversations can break down barriers and promote acceptance. It's heartening to see Jono's optimism for the future and his belief in the power of self-love and representation. As he and others in the exhibition demonstrate, embracing our differences and educating others can lead to a more inclusive and compassionate society. Let's continue to celebrate and support these efforts to change perceptions and promote diversity 🚀 Source: https://lnkd.in/eESfp_93 #RepresentationMatters #SelfAcceptance #Inclusion #CelebrateDifferences #RarelyReframed

Proud to have BOTH Leo Valledor and Carlos Villa work as part of this important exhibition up now through December 20, 2024 at 80WSE, 80 Washington Square East, NYU. *** Legacies: Asian American Art Movements in New York City (1969-2001) is an expansive survey of rarely-seen artwork and archival material by artists that constitute and exceed “Asian American,” a label denoting a cultural and national identity invented in 1968. Utilizing an interdisciplinary and research-driven praxis, Legacies uncovers how artists of Asian descent have historically negotiated identity in America as a set of situated practices and institutional structures amidst transnational diasporas, racial phantasms, and political imaginaries. Presenting over 90 artists and collectives, Legacies is the first institutional survey exhibition focusing on artists of Asian descent who were based in New York City. Legacies features works – paintings, drawings, sculpture, and new media, among other mediums – that serve to complicate the idea of defining “Asian American art” as singular and static through the lens of art history, cultural studies, and sociology.

EARTHPOWERART Earthpowerart stands as a profound expression of the Earth's intrinsic power and the collective human experience that transcends racial divides. It challenges the historically entrenched notion of aesthetic superiority associated with white culture, which has been perpetuated through centuries of colonization, subjugation, and slavery. This narrative has systematically marginalized non-European cultures, obscuring their contributions to art and humanity. Central to Earthpowerart is the acknowledgment of Africa as the cradle of humanity and civilization. It refutes the derogatory classifications of "black" and "inferior" applied to Africans and Dravidians in India, emphasizing instead the genetic unity of all human beings, rooted in Africa. This perspective not only highlights the resilience and diversity of African cultures but also critiques the discriminatory systems that have sought to suppress them. Historically, white aesthetics have been intertwined with monarchies, colonial powers, and economic exploitation, often using art to reinforce narratives of superiority. Figures like Matisse, while credited as pioneers of movements like cubism, often borrowed extensively from African art without acknowledging or respecting its origins. This appropriation has contributed to a skewed perception of artistic innovation and has marginalized African artists who were the true originators of these forms. The cultural wealth of non-European civilizations has frequently been dismissed or devalued as "native" or "ethnic," reinforcing the dominance of European perspectives in the global cultural narrative. However, Earthpowerart celebrates the artistic achievements of individuals like Jesse Owens, Usain Bolt, and Nelson Mandela, who have not only excelled in their fields but have also challenged racial stereotypes and inspired generations worldwide. In recent decades, there has been a growing global movement to confront and dismantle systems of racial oppression and discrimination. The decolonization of the Third World has played a crucial role in this process, reclaiming cultural heritage and challenging the primacy of white aesthetics. This movement recognizes the historical necessity of asserting the rights of marginalized communities and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable world. At its core, Earthpowerart represents a resurgence of artistic expression rooted in the colors and textures of the Earth itself. It rejects the artificial dichotomy of black and white, instead embracing the diverse shades of brown that reflect the beauty and diversity of humanity. This "Brown Aesthetics" serves as a powerful symbol of unity and resistance against cultural hegemony, promoting a vision of peace and harmony. By embracing Brown Aesthetics and honoring the legacy of those who have fought for justice and equality, artists can contribute to a global movement towards a more inclusive and harmonious society. John Devaraj