Carlsbad Museum and Art Center, Carlsbad, New Mexico May 16th - June 23, 2018
Together, the artists in “Ojalá” use new media and installation, in order to challenge the viewers relationship and responsiveness of historical museums. The exhibition presents interdisciplinary work that seeks active engagement in order to measure paradigm shifts within modes of exchange and cultural context.“Ojalá” brings together works by nine artists from across the americas, the majority of whom are exhibiting in New Mexico for the first time. Each artist uses the methodologies of sound and alternative forms of communication to address social, political, and cultural upheaval.
Atomic Culture has been committed to curating exhibitions that ignite further conversation around invisible borders. This exhibition continues that conversation. The title, Ojalá , considers the word’s cross-section of cultures — the Arabic root, inshallah translates to god willing - Oxalá"( from an Yoruban origin “Obatala”) is known in West-African and afro-Brazilian religions as the father of all people. “Ojalá” explores linguistic structures that are linked to set powers of inequality, established through cultural erasure — the artists exhibiting offer models of examining cultural recall and materiality for purposes of breaking down pre-determined systems that blanket our communities, globally. The exhibition employs objects connected to a multitude of cultural experiences in order to provoke reflection upon the viewer.
Exhibited Artists: Nani Chacon, Chico MacMurtrie, Death Convention Singers, Claudia X Valdes, Scott Williams and Joel-Peter Witkin.
February 4 to March 18, 2017 | Loisaida Center 710 E 9st at Ave C
Future Now // Futura Ahora calls to attention the movement of artists reclaiming and reconfiguring their cultural disposition and narratives with society at large. Through sound, installation, literature, and visual arts each artist presents compelling possibilities for the future by embracing and reclaiming their histories, traditions, and present-day experiences.During Atomic Culture’s curatorial artist residency at the Loisaida Center. They will bringing together 15 artists native to the southwest United States, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and California to discuss futurism and geopolitics. Futurism is not just about technology but an act of self preservation and concern toward the creation and dismemberment of invisible borders, pillaging of natural resources, and colonization. Through decolonization and reclamation of traditions, personal culture, land and natural medicine.Within the exhibition and workshops each artist addresses these issues blending their complex histories with a contemporary perspective creating a new trajectory.Future Now/Futura Ahora will host multiple workshops on reclaiming use of the land and the natural remedies she provides you, discussions and screenings on chicanx futurism. The exhibition serving as a catalyst to discuss and initiate thinking and being in a time of increased tension and unknown.Artists: Electronic Disturbance Theater 2.0, Nani Chacon, Gilbert "Magú" Luján, Ryan Dennison, Zeke Pena, Chico MacMurtrie, Claudia X. Valdes, William Camargo, Rick Cortez, Lindsay Kane, Delilah Montoya, Cristobal Martinez, Scott Williams, Cultural Workers, and a SSSK Distro retrospective.Loisaida, Inc. stands firm on its original mission– Address the serious economic and social disenfranchisement of poor and low income Latino residents, with employment and training opportunities, comprehensive youth development initiatives, as well as neighborhood revitalization activities that positively highlight the rich culture, heritage, and contribution of the Puerto Rican and Latin American community in this City– while offering programming that meets the demands of the times and the neighborhood’s changing demographic. In its new home in 710 East 9th Street, Loisaida builds a connection between community, learners, artists and scholars through affordable education opportunities in cultural fields, S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) design and everyday life. Our approach celebrates the urban surroundings, grassroots invention and immigrant spirit of the Loisaida neighborhood in its dedication to celebrate Latino cultural vitality and their contributions to NYC.
In collaboration with Carlsbad Museum and Art Center Presents ...
TURN ON AND TAKE COVER
Exhibition July 1-5, 2016 •
Opening Reception & Live Music July 2 4-9PM
Atomic Culture is proud to present its inaugural arts program, Turn On and Take Cover, with live music and an exhibition of works by six contemporary artists based in or from New Mexico.The inaugural exhibition is structured around a showcase of contemporary artists from the southwest and their relationship and use of the land. The results are shocking, playful, and heart-breaking, with abstract relationships revealed in the artist's struggles with an unrelenting landscape, political issues and ancient traditions. Participating artists include Nani Chacon, Chico MacMurtrie, Death Convention Singers, Claudia X Valdes, Scott Williams, Joel-Peter Witkin.Free live music will be offered in Halagueno Arts Park., with Sleepercar (El Paso, TX), an alternative country project of Jim Ward of Sparta and former member of At the Drive-In, glam metal band Chicharra (Albuquerque, NM), and surf punk band Miijas (El Paso, TX).There will be a free community portrait booth - photography by Mathew and Malinda Galindo will be available online the next day for all subjects.Atomic Culture is both an idea and a place where people from all backgrounds are encouraged to learn, create, and experience art in it’s myriad forms. The organization curates free cultural events, approximately every four months in New Mexico, aimed at engaging all generations of the community in a long-term and ongoing growth of artistic enablement, understanding, and inclusion. These events encourage active participation and bring awareness to not only the indigenous cultures dominant in the area but also a broader spectrum of art-based activity.Representing a wide range of practice in visual, sound, and performance arts, Atomic Culture provides exhibitions, live performances, and workshops. In providing an open arts space the organization and it’s sponsors encourage conversation and inspire new works across a diverse range of cultures, ages, and levels of arts awareness.Atomic Culture is crowd funded through https://www.generosity.com/communityfundraising/atomiccultureCarlsbad Museum and Art Space is open Monday through Saturday, from 10am to 5pm, and closed on Sundays. Carlsbad Museum and Art Center418 W Fox St, Carlsbad, NM 88220
