Color is a complex and subjective concept that has been explored by artists for centuries. The exhibition “All That Remains” at the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling delves into the diverse ways in which contemporary artists are reimagining color and pushing the boundaries of traditional color theories.
One of the central themes of the exhibition is the color blue, which is reinterpreted by artists like Amanda Martínez, Yiyo Tirado, and Liz Deschenes. Martínez’s sculpture “Working Meditation 1. (Rio Grande)” draws inspiration from Indigenous weaving traditions to evoke rivers and water. Her use of light blue blocks and stripes creates a mesmerizing pattern that invites viewers to connect with the land in a profound way.
Tirado takes a different approach by reclaiming the corporate use of blue in his monochromatic LED screens. His work “Real Estate” alludes to the commodification of land and air rights, highlighting the impact of corporate greed on affordable housing. Deschenes, on the other hand, explores the subtle nuances of blue in her dye sublimation print on aluminum, “Indicator #6,” which reflects the iridescence of the color found in humidity swatches.
Photographic techniques play a significant role in capturing colors in ways that painting cannot, as seen in works by Leslie Hewitt and Lucia Koch. Koch’s “Polenta” creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow within a cardboard box, while Hewitt’s “Subfield (Extension) (Tension)” explores the relational nature of color through geometric arrangements of chromogenic prints.
Kevin Umaña’s mixed media works stand out for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns inspired by the Indigenous Pipil people of El Salvador. His visual puzzles reflect the complexity of coming to terms with a dark chapter in history while paying homage to traditional Pipil art forms.
“All That Remains” challenges conventional notions of color and invites viewers to explore new perspectives on how we perceive and interact with color. The exhibition showcases the diversity of artistic approaches to color and highlights the importance of embracing Indigenous and non-White ways of seeing. It is a testament to the endless possibilities that exist when we venture off the beaten path in search of new artistic horizons.
The exhibition “All That Remains” is on display at the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling until May 25. Curated by C.J. Chueca and Omar López-Chahoud, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of color that is sure to inspire and captivate visitors.
