August 14 - September 4, 2021
From Clamp Light Artist Studios:
“Clamp Light Artist Studios & Gallery is proud to present Existential Evocations, a group exhibition organized by San Antonio-based independent curator Erin K. Murphy.
Existential Evocations is the continuation of an art exchange between ICOSA collective of Austin and Clamp Light. The first phase of this exchange was Elements of Expression, curated by Raasin Mcintosh, at ICOSA from May 22–June 19, 2021. Existential Evocations features a range of works by nineteen ICOSA artists: Leon Alessi, Amy Bench, Darcie Book, Shawn Camp, Veronica Ceci, Jonas Criscoe, Erin Cunningham, Brooke Gassiot, Mai Gutierrez, Sarah Hirneisen, Amanda Linn McInerney, Matt Rebholz, Tammie Rubin, Jana Swec, Michael Villarreal, Lana Waldrep-Appl, Alyssa Taylor Wendt, Jenn Wilson, and Suzanne Wyss. The exhibition brings together a selection of work in drawing, sculpture, photography, along with textiles, focusing on ideas of isolation, the banal, the surreal, and the extraordinary.
“I’m struck by the unique sensitivity with which each of the artists approach materials and forms, but I’m even more fascinated by the simultaneous hope and hopelessness present in the grouping of works. One can’t help but make a connection between these artworks and the social and political events of the previous 2(ish) years. Some represent what appear to be remnants of a decaying culture, or are they signs of new life sprouting from the ruins of the past few years? These works capture for me the existential quagmire that we find ourselves in and generously offer up a sort of choose-your-own-adventure between cautious optimism and cynicism.”
–Erin K. Murphy
About the Curator
Erin K. Murphy is a San Antonio-based independent curator. Most recently she was the Director of Residencies and Exhibitions at Artpace San Antonio where she organized several notable exhibitions including Visibilities: Intrepid Women of Artpace (2020) which featured the work of Koo Jeong-A, Autumn Knight, Wangetchi Mutu, Wu Tsang, and Kathy Vargas, among others.
She previously worked at the San Antonio Museum of Art and during her tenure in the curatorial department, she co-curated Intercambios: Modernist Photography in Mexico from the Permanent Collection and Of Country and Culture: The Lam Collection of Contemporary Australian Aboriginal Art. In addition to her curatorial work, Murphy managed the exhibition program for the Museum as well as acts as the lead editor on all major publications. Prior to her position at the San Antonio Museum of Art, Murphy has served at various art institutions including the Dallas Museum of Art, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, and others. Murphy is also on the Steering Committee of the Professional Organization for Women in the Arts and is a member of the College Art Association’s Committee on Diversity Practices. She earned a BA in English from Texas A&M University and an MA in art history from the University of North Texas with a concentration on modern and contemporary art.
About ICOSA Collective: www.icosacollective.com
Exhibition Dates: August 14 – September 4, 2021
Opening Reception: Saturday, August 14, 6 – 10 pm
Masks Required”
Reception: August 14, 2021 | 6–10 pm
1704 Blanco Rd, Suite 104
San Antonio, 78212 TX
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