May 6 - June 22, 2024
From Sala Diaz:
“Sala Diaz announces our current solo exhibition, Teaching Myself Manners, featuring Theresa Newsome, and curated by Barbara Felix. The exhibition is on view May 6 through June 22, 2024, by appointment.
Recently returned from Berlin, Germany where she was a Resident Artist for the Contemporary at Blue Star’s Berlin Residency Program at the Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Newsome has created a body of work that explores diaspora, girlhood, and femininity through photographs, installation, soft sculpture, and more.
When discussing the artwork, Newsome told Sala Diaz, “…this series explores the complexities of femininity and womanhood, drawing inspiration from my mother’s upbringing in Germany and the intricate layers of identity that make up my perception of self. Through research, archived narratives, imagery, and personal and shared experiences, this series delves into the intimate moments that stem from my own journey of understanding and education regarding beauty, childhood, femininity, and womanhood from an African American perspective.”
Outside of the gallery, a pastel hopscotch pattern extends a playful invitation to enter the exhibition. Upon entering, visitors are welcomed into The Living Room, which houses carefully placed arrangements reflective of the artist’s childhood. Specifically, “capturing the multifaceted experiences, emotions, and identities of black girlhood.” Colorful, plastic high heels are found along the floor, handmade dolls sit together on a bench, and a miniature tea set are some of the items spread throughout the room.
Venturing further into the gallery is The Bedroom, where the artist has created an intimate portrayal of womanhood. Utilizing various fruits to represent ideas of femininity, fertility, beauty, and perseverance, Newsome adorns the walls with intimate photographs of pomegranates, citrus, and plums, placed on plates or held against a body. In the corner of The Bedroom, a large dresser holds partly opened drawers, revealing undergarments embellished with photographs printed directly on them. Mirroring the artist’s introspection, the dresser’s mirror holds glimpses of her childhood through photographs and notes. In this room, “‘Womanhood’ illustrates the artist’s personal exploration of the female body varying from self-hatred and disgust to the beginning self-acceptance.”
The journey culminates in the back hallway, where images of headstones and angels in a cemetery prompt contemplation on the passage of time and what lies beyond.”
Reception: June 22, 2024 | 11 pm – 2 am
517 Stieren
San Antonio, 78210 TX
(972) 900-0047
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