Wangechi Mutu
Cutting, 2004
DVD Projection
 

Figures of Thinking: Convergences in Contemporary Cultures presents an open-ended discourse on the nature of our global society, one that is fraught with anxiety and overwhelmed by information. This is expressed in the work of the 14 artists included in the exhibition: Rina Banerjee, Lesley Dill, Ellen Gallagher, Mona Hatoum, Adrienne Heinrich, Nina Katchadourian, Simone Leigh, Wangechi Mutu, Yuki Onodera, Kathy Prendergast, Barbara Weissberger, Heesung Yang, Zarina, and Cheryl Yun. The intention of the curators is not to present a theoretical argument in support of an overriding projection or definitive position, but rather to disclose and observe the unfolding of experience as a reflection of the imprint of migrant cultures and the influence of abundantly accessible information.

The artists included in the exhibition were selected because they share certain visual and conceptual sensibilities, as evidenced by their considered and metaphorical use of materials, willingness to share the intimate and the personal, their confrontation of stereotypes, regard for beauty, and immersion in process.

As postmodernism, identity politics, and feminism (all of the artists in this exhibition are coincidentally women) have become fully assimilated in the mindset and experience of at least two generations of artists, these defining positions have moved from theory to practice. Now fully incorporated as an integral part of art's culture and background, the political impulse is no longer central to the meaning. Meaning is found in how each of the 14 artists weaves their personal narrative into representation, giving voice to what is accessible to the audience as shared experience and embedded knowledge.

Figures of Thinking: Convergences in Contemporary Cultures taps into theorist and critic Marjorie Garber's source quote for the title: "Ours is an era that distrusts language, that fears figures of speech, and especially what could be called figures of thinking—ideas and associations that beget ideas, that link to other links in culture..."

CATALOGUE

Figures of Thinking: Convergences in Contemporary Cultures is accompanied by a catalogue published by the University of Washington Press and co-published by University of Richmond Museums and Pamela Auchincloss/Arts Management. The catalogue features an introduction by the curators, an essay drafted as a dialogue between the two curators, a recommended reading list, and full-color reproductions of artworks by each artist.

This exhibition was co-curated by Vicky A. Clark and Sandhini Poddar, and is being toured under the auspices of Pamela Auchincloss/Arts Management, New York.

SPECIAL EVENTS

"Art for Lunch" Gallery Talk
Thursday, October 13, 2005, 12:30 pm
"Some Women Marry Houses"
Meryl Altman, Associate Professor of English and Director of the Women's Studies Program
University Gallery, lower level

"Art for Lunch" Gallery Talk
Thursday, November 17, 12:30 pm
"The Beginning of the End of Self-Portraiture: Beuys and Grrrls and the Self NOW"
Anne Harris, Associate Professor of Art (Art History)
University Gallery, lower level

For more information about special events associated with this exhibition, please call the gallery information line at 765.658.4882