The artist’s voice is a crucial element in any museum exhibition. This was a central theme discussed during an artist roundtable on the opening weekend of the exhibition titled “Broken Boxes: A Decade of Art, Action, and Dialogue” in Albuquerque. The exhibition, curated by Ginger Dunnill and featuring artworks by 23 artists, delves into themes of mental and physical health, Indigenous sovereignty, settler colonialism, migration, and the commercial art market.
For the past decade, the Broken Boxes Podcast, created by Ginger Dunnill, has been a platform for artists to exchange ideas and perspectives. The exhibition showcases large-scale artworks, installations, videos, and performances by artists who have contributed to the podcast. Directional speakers placed throughout the exhibition space play excerpts from podcast episodes, creating an immersive auditory experience for visitors.
One of the featured artists is Autumn Chacon, a DinĂ© and Chicana sound artist and activist. Her installation, “Between Our Mother’s Voice and Our Father’s Ear,” is a durational, unlicensed radio broadcast that blends sounds from the exhibition with field recordings and podcast excerpts. Chacon uses sound art as a form of resistance, highlighting the power of occupying airwaves and the irreversibility of speech vibrations.
Sound as a catalyst for personal and collective transformation is a recurring theme in the exhibition. Artists like Marie Watt and Guadalupe Maravilla explore the healing potential of sound through their works. Maravilla’s mixed media sculpture, “Disease Thrower #17,” incorporates objects collected during his migration journey, symbolizing healing portals activated during sound bath ceremonies.
The exhibition also features music videos by Black Belt Eagle Scout, a short film by Joy Harjo, and drawings by Christine Howard Sandoval that reflect the generative potential of connection to the land. Artists like Jeremy Dennis transform their personal spaces into communal art spaces, fostering dialogue and transformation.
Two standout works in the exhibition are Amaryllis R. Flowers’ “Original Fragment of the Lost Girls Treasure Map” and Cassils’ “The Resilience of the 20%.” Flowers’ work delves into the relationship between fantasy and trauma, while Cassils’ piece addresses the increase in violence against trans people globally.
“Broken Boxes: A Decade of Art, Action, and Dialogue” amplifies artists’ voices and challenges mainstream art narratives. By sharing personal stories and experiences, the artists invite viewers to engage in slow looking and listening, prompting reflection and dialogue. In a time of political uncertainty, the exhibition serves as a reminder of the power of art to speak truth to power and inspire change.
The exhibition is on display at the Albuquerque Museum until March 2, 2025, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with diverse voices and perspectives in the art world.
