ART + ACTIVISM: Art of the Issues 2020

Juried by SoLA Contemporary Board and Advisory Council

Artists have been making art for years about world issues as a cathartic practice. Hours spent reflecting in the studio eventually lead to important conversations and making sense of an internal awakening and inevitable world entropy. Their resulting creations carry potential to be a powerful agent for desired change. But unless there is an accessible platform for these artists, especially artists directly impacted by the very issues they are creating art about, how will their voices be heard?

SoLA Contemporary is honored to offer this kind of platform for artists of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds as it kicks off the New Year with a bang presenting, ART + ACTIVISM: a group exhibition featuring activist artists who submitted their work in response to the gallery’s no-entry-fee open call. As a pop-up exhibition, ART + ACTIVISM will be on view for only one week, January 4 – 11, 2020. All are invited to attend the opening reception on Saturday, January 4th from 6-9 PM, where we are thrilled to include a trio of thought-provoking performance art pieces combining spoken word and dance.

LA activist supporters of SoLA Contemporary have generously donated their time and talents to bring this event to life, including a special art installation by South LA muralist Patrick Henry Johnson; spoken word by writer, professor, and TED Resident Dr. Maytha Alhassen; dance by curator and movement artist Brianna Mims; neon sculptural performance by Latinx artist Ginger Q; spoken word by Santa Monica College student and neighbor to the gallery Zion Payne; and branding/design by artist Phil America.