On the Map: Unfolding Albuquerque Art + Design, a massive celebration of our local art scene, continues. While several exhibitions have already set the stage by tackling major themes surrounding the history and trajectory of regional artistic practice, a second wave of events opening now through April is a little lighter in tone. The participating artists clearly aren’t afraid to have fun—and hopefully you aren’t either, as each of these events invites participation, whether through direct interaction or personal reflection.
Put A Bird In It
Good luck sticking that landing: “Domus” by Ed Fitzgerald
With NEST, Richard Levy Gallery (514 Central SW) challenged award-winning architects to design birdhouses. Though whimsical, NEST is also a fascinating study in style and approach, requiring architects to translate their design values into avian-sized structures. “Domus,” for instance, by Albuquerque architect Ed Fitzgerald, uses sleek, natural materials to create an airy sanctuary that blurs the line between interior and exterior space. Clever and attractive, these homes aren’t just for the birds. If you spot one that would look fabulous in your yard, place a bid at the corresponding auction to benefit the National Audubon Society. NEST opens March 20 and concludes with a finale reception from 6 to 8pm on April 3. The online auction runs March 27 to April 5 on Bidsquare (bit.ly/levybidsquare).
Duke City Montage
Duck and cover: “South Valley Habitat I” by Katya Crawford
According to Dada and Surrealist artist Max Ernst, “Collage is the noble conquest of the irrational, the coupling of two realities, irreconcilable in appearance, upon a plane which apparently does not suit them.” It’s a fitting way to portray Albuquerque’s disparities. Bits & Pieces, organized by 516 ARTS and Westbund West, features collages that investigate our city’s eclectic identity according to local artists. Blink and you’ll miss it—this pop-up exhibition runs just three days, from March 27 to 29, at Westbund West (217 Kinley NW). Get inspired, and then cut up some stuff and create a collage of your own.
Making Fun Of Media
This is serious: “In Their Eyes No. 5” by Mark Horst
From April 3 to 25, Sumner & Dene Gallery (517 Central NW) presents Dan Garrett Metal Assemblages, Mark Horst Figures, and Rik Burkard Ceramics. These three artists experiment with form through various media: Garrett applies paint and patina to three-dimensional steel assemblages, Horst’s expressive brushwork suggests disintegration or mirage, and ceramicist Burkard creates imaginative containers, oceanic creatures and space-age sculptures. This eclectic group exhibition offers an opportunity to draw comparisons, make connections and consider how artists approach style, subject and media. The exhibition opens with a reception on April 3 from 5 to 8pm.
The Good Old Days
Truly, truly, truly outrageous poster by Jonathan Sanchez
Cool Kids Never Die: An 80’s and 90’s Cartoon Art Show at Downtown Contemporary Gallery (105 Fourth Street SW) commemorates the animated heroes many of us grew up with. Organizers Jon Sanchez, Jeremy Montoya and P.Nut, all artists themselves, wanted to do something fun and nostalgic—and over 40 illustrators, sculptors, screen printers, painters and airbrush artists jumped at the chance to reinterpret cartoon lore. Think Rainbow Brite monsters, a battle between the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and a one-eyed dragon, and glitzy posters announcing a Jem and the Holograms world tour. Reminisce with friends, or bring your kids and tell ’em about Saturday mornings spent indulging in cartoons and cereal. Don’t miss the closing party from 6 to 9pm on April 10.
A Walk On The Acoustic Side
Shh, do you see that? Sasha vom Dorp’s “100 Hz Sunlight”
Visible Sound, at Central Features (109 Fifth Street SW) from April 24 to June 6, brings together three artists who explore sounds specific to a particular place or situation. Andrea Polli works with atmospheric scientists to develop systems that reveal climate patterns through sound, Alyce Santoro illustrates the effects of sonic vibrations on matter by playing a flute over a Rubens’ tube, and Sasha vom Dorp’s photographs render sound interacting with light through water. The exhibition also includes sound recordings by Polli’s UNM students. Catch demonstrations by Santoro and vom Dorp at the opening reception from 6 to 8pm on April 24, and tune in to your own sonic surroundings by joining Polli on an urban sound walk (reservations required at centralfeatures.com) from 11am to 1pm on April 25.
The People Speak
Lookie, it’s art: “Eyeglasses” by Kristin Diener
Meet local artists where the magic happens. For Public Selects: A Celebration of Albuquerque Artists, participating creators bare all by opening up their studios. After you visit, vote for your favorite artists to be included in an exhibition at the Albuquerque Museum (2000 Mountain NW) this summer. Although two open studio dates have already passed, you can catch the final event on March 21 from 10am to 4pm. On the roster are Thomas Christopher Haag, whose layered murals and paintings refer to ancient traditions and the spiritual world with, as he puts it, “just a hint of smart-ass,” and Kristin Diener, a metalsmith whose intricate assemblages fall somewhere between jewelry and sculpture. Find a complete list of participating artists on the museum website, albuquerquemuseum.org.
Get Your Foodie Fix
Just add burrito: “Green Chile with Shadow” print by Mark Horst
Back in January, we introduced Foodie: On Eats, Eating, and Eateries in Albuquerque, an exhibition of culinary culture put on by the Tamarind Institute (2500 Central SE). If you haven’t yet seen it, the mid-exhibition reception on April 17, from 5 to 7pm, would be a great time to do so. Watch Tamarind students in action during a public printmaking workshop, and take home a print of your own.
On the Map: Unfolding Albuquerque Art + DesignRuns through June 30; individual exhibits have their own run datesVarious locationsABQonthemap.com
