Solastalgia

October 7 - December 6, 2024

From San Jacinto College:

“San Jacinto College South Campus Gallery is proud to announce the opening of Solastalgia, a thought-provoking multimedia exhibition running from October 7th through December 6th, 2024. Curated by Houston artists Cathie Kayser and Ellen H Ray, Solastalgia explores the emotional impact of environmental change on local communities, particularly those in the Houston area. The exhibition brings together a collective of talented Houston artists: Heather L Johnson, Cathie Kayser, Cindee Klement, Renata Lucia, and Ellen H Ray.

Opening Events and Programs:

– Student Reception: Thursday, October 17th, 2-5 p.m.

– Weekend Reception: Saturday, October 26th, 12-5 p.m.

– Artist Talk: Saturday, October 26th, 3-4 p.m.

Coined by philosopher Glenn Albrecht, Solastalgia refers to the distress caused by environmental changes experienced in one’s home environment. This unique exhibition addresses critical environmental issues such as the Brio Superfund site near San Jacinto’s South Campus, Houston’s flooding patterns, and the ecological effects of the petrochemical industry, inviting viewers to reflect on humanity’s relationship with the environment.

The exhibition showcases a range of mediums, including traditional printmaking, paintings, sculptures, drawings, and experimental installations. Through these diverse works, the artists engage viewers with narratives of environmental trauma and resilience, creating an immersive experience that transcends visual art and delves into social and ecological themes.

In addition to the visual art, Solastalgia is part of a broader interdisciplinary collaboration with local writers, educators, and community leaders. The exhibition is also in collaboration with The Pits, a theater performance from local artist Sarah Welch, that captures the cultural and environmental history of the South Houston community. Together, these events provide a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between art, science, and advocacy in Houston’s South Belt area.

“Beneath the routine of modern life is a wildness imprinted upon our cellular memory. It is a collective memory of our home in time and space that we long to return to. Derived from nostalgia, Solastalgia is a form of homesickness one gets while never actually leaving home,” say curators Cathie Kayser and Ellen H Ray, reflecting on the conceptual core of the exhibition.

Exhibition Highlights:

– Environmental Awareness and Engagement: The exhibition highlights local environmental challenges and offers accessible, compelling entry points for the community to engage with these topics.

– Interdisciplinary Learning and Collaboration: Solastalgia exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary work by involving artists, scientists, and educators in a dialogue that connects academic research with artistic expression.

– Community Healing and Dialogue: The exhibition offers a platform for reflection, dialogue, and collective healing by giving voice to community experiences related to environmental change.

– Advocacy and Action: Beyond raising awareness, the exhibition inspires viewers to consider their role in environmental stewardship and community advocacy.

Admission to Solastalgia is free and open to the public. For additional information, visit the San Jacinto College South Campus Gallery website or contact Bradly Brown at the details listed above.

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About San Jacinto College South Campus Gallery: 

The San Jacinto College South Campus Gallery is dedicated to showcasing diverse and innovative artistic practices that engage students and the community. The gallery hosts exhibitions featuring local, national, and international artists, fostering cultural and intellectual enrichment.”

Reception: October 17, 2024 | 2–5 pm

Student Reception

Reception: October 26, 2024 | 12–5 pm

Artist Talk 3-4 p.m.

San Jacinto College South Campus Gallery- Marie Flickinger Fine Arts Center

13725 Beamer Road

Houston, 77089 TX

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