Marin Museum of Contemporary Art (MarinMOCA) announces the opening of its summer exhibition, “On Land,” which showcases a diverse group of artists who address the dynamism and fragility of our relationship to the planet in artworks that are potent catalysts for introspection and action. Guest curated by Chris Kerr, On Land features the work of eleven Northern Californian emerging and established artists: Cynthia Brannvall, Victor Cartagena, Ocean Escalanti, Don Hankins, Claudia Huenchuleo Paquien, Hughen/Starkweather, Colter Jacobsen, Vanessa Norton, Rachelle Reichert, and Angelica Trimble-Yanu.
The exhibition, taking place from June 17 to August 27 at MarinMOCA, offers a trenchant exploration of the complex relationship between humanity and the natural world, motivating audiences to consider their impact on the land and on the many communities that inhabit it. Featuring an array of artistic expressions, including drawing, photography, painting, sculpture, and multimedia presentations, “On Land” provides a rich tapestry of narratives and experiences. Each artwork offers a singular perspective on deterritorialization, inviting viewers to critically examine the ways in which colonized spaces can be reclaimed and how relationships to the natural world can be reimagined and restored.
“The works in ‘On Land’ are a powerful prompt to the imagination,” says Jodi Roberts, Executive Director of MarinMOCA. “In examining the ways in which human history and nature are inextricably intertwined, they move us to conceive of a world in which human prosperity and a healthy planet are one and the same thing.”
“On Land” fosters a renewed sense of appreciation for our environment and invites visitors to embark on a thought-provoking journey that challenges conventional notions of land, ownership, identity, and belonging. Through the lens of Indigenous knowledge, working-class experiences, and Feminist insights, the exhibition delves into the complexities of decolonization and the voices of artists of color, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship and mutual support.
As the show’s curator Chris Kerr states, the artists in “On Land” “mine a range of explosive and restorative approaches to the natural world. They make art that, in itsvariety of mediums and vista points on land, collectively encourages deepening relations with place and nature and thus fuller acceptance and embrace of each other. The exhibition all but equates resistance to oppressive power structures with experiences of sacred interdependence with the Earth and its earths.”
In addition to the captivating artworks on display, the exhibition features a series of interactive public programs, providing opportunities for deep engagement and dialogue. These events aim to create spaces for learning, sharing, and solidarity-building while encouraging attendees to reflect on their own roles in dismantling structures of inequality and fostering ecological harmony.
For further information about the featured artists and artworks or to arrange interviews with the curator or artists, please contact: Jodi Roberts, MarinMOCA Executive Director.
The exhibition opens on June 17 with a reception from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
On June 25 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., “On Land” exhibition artists Claudia Huenchuleo Paquien and Hughen/Starkweather will be onsite at MarinMOCA for a special public program exploring landscape and meaning. Visitors are invited to join the artists in the galleries to delve into and describe memories of landscapes that have personal importance.
On August 5 at 5:00 p.m., there will be a poetry event with renowned poets Forrest Gander and Lehua Taitano, who, in a spirit of adventure and discovery, will perform readings of poems chosen spontaneously, as well as in reaction to one another and the energy of the moment.
Additionally, docent tours will be available at 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays, June 24, July 15, July 29, and August 12.
General admission to the museum is $10. Admission for seniors 65 and older, students, and military (with a valid ID) is $8. Admission for MarinMOCA members and children ages 12 and under is free. Opening hours are Wednesday to Friday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. MarinMOCA is closed Monday and Tuesday.
Free and accessible parking is available.
Chris Kerr is a curator, editor, and educator based in Oakland, CA. Kerr is Exhibitions Director at the Richmond Art Center and Director of Round Weather, a nonprofit art gallery that funds climate crisis mitigation. Kerr has organized events that bridge artistic disciplines for BAM/PFA, Rock Paper Scissors, Roxie Theater, and SFMOMA.
The Marin Museum of Contemporary Art is dedicated to championing the development of artists at all stages of their careers through exhibitions, programs, scholarship, and the production of new works that reflect, engage, and inspire our diverse communities of the greater Bay Area. We strive to be a regionally and nationally recognized destination for celebrating the artistic legacy of Northern California and connecting it with the most innovative artistic voices of our time, whether local or global. MarinMOCA empowers artists and curators to experiment with new modes of expression as well as more traditional mediums that expand the public’s appreciation of the power of contemporary art. www.marinmoca.org
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