The MAC is pleased to present On the Surface including works by Rabéa Ballin, Saba Besier, Sara Cardona, Sophia Longoria, Lovie Olivia, and Preetika Rajgariah; curated by Consuelo Gutierrez. The exhibition is on view January 18 through March 8, 2020, with an opening reception Saturday,
January 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. A panel discussion in partnership with Design Society (part of Dallas Architecture Forum) will be held at The MAC on Wednesday, January 29 at 7 p.m.
On the Surface is a group exhibition that serves as a cultural exchange between Dallas and Houston, presenting a human landscape to be surveyed and processed in hopes of fostering a deeper understanding of the human condition.
The exhibition focuses on artistic processes and materials. Many of the works are “in-process” towards creating sections of a cultural map of identities and spaces. Some works re-assemble or re-imagine moments and memories. Others attempt to encapsulate and record memories in both concrete and semi-permanent ways.
Topography, remnants, and reproduction tie the works together. Saba Besier uses porcelain, a clay body that is strong but delicate in appearance, to create sci-fi-inspired underwater landscapes that call out to be touched. Rabéa Ballin uses various printmaking methods to explore hair beautification practices as well as objects that reveal hidden cultural histories. Sara Cardona arranges images of pieces of abandoned clothing and other objects into digital assemblages, while Preetika Rajgariah tears apart and rearranges pieces of Indian saris into soft sculpture installations. Sophia Longoria reproduces pieces of lyrics from songs by her favorite bands from the 1990s onto hand-painted shirts. Video works from the artists will also be highlighted in the new media gallery.
From outerspace to innerspace, these artists survey various forms of cultural artifacts to present works that hint at an interiority that is felt much deeper than what is seen on the surface.
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