Tag: colonial

Yto Barrada in ‘Hiding in Plain Sight’ at Pace Gallery

Is abstraction less political than representational art?  ‘Hiding in Plain Sight,’ Pace Gallery’s summer group exhibition, argues for abstract art’s capacity to embody resistance.  Yto Barrada’s ‘Geological Time Scale,’ a selection of monochrome Moroccan rugs arranged around a custom-built table, recalls how an early 20th century French general’s catalogue of traditional rugs excluded single-color pieces, his bias impacting his audience’s understanding of Moroccan textile production.  (On view in Chelsea through Aug 20th).

Yto Barrada, Geological Time Scale (assembled group of primarily monochrome Beni Mguild, Marmoucha, and Ait Sgougou pile rugs from Western Central, Middle Atlas, Morocco), Mid-20th Century, mixed media, dimensions variable, 2015.

Adriana Varejao at Lehmann Maupin Gallery

Brazilian artist Adriana Varejao explores the complicated relationship between western and indigenous cultures with a series of self-portraits that blend Native South American and mid-20th century minimalist aesthetics. Here, wavy feathered plumes contrast a stark geometric stripe running the length of her face and clouds of dots over her eyes. (At Lehmann Maupin Gallery on the Lower East Side through June 16th).

Adriana Varejao, Kindred Spirits IV (detail), oil on canvas, 4 parts, each 20.47 x 17.91 x 1.38 inches, 2015.
Adriana Varejao, Kindred Spirits IV (detail), oil on canvas, 4 parts, each 20.47 x 17.91 x 1.38 inches, 2015.

Romy Scheroder in ‘Museum Starter Kit’ at El Museo del Barrio

Trinidad-born artist Romy Scheroder explains that she was thinking of the strictures of colonial culture (wood) vs adaptation by the population (rubber bands) in her sculpture Skin (seen here in the background). Despite the serious subtext, two mirrored chairs delight in the foreground with a joyful dance. (At the Museo del Barrio through September 6th).

Romy Scheroder, Mirror, Mirror, found chairs, 2014.