"WORD" is now open at HVCCA

HVCCA has a history of exhibitions that feature artists from the international community, some with established careers and stellar reputations as well as those just emerging onto the art stage. ‘WORD’ is HVCCA’s first open call juried exhibition purposed to highlight talented regional artists who prominently feature ‘a word’ or ‘words’ in their artistic productions. Some 140 artists applied and 45 artists were selected. These newer and lesser known works will sit side by side with works of artists such as Beatrice Coron, Dylan Graham (Netherlands), Ann Hamilton (US 1999 Venice Biennale artist), John Mellencamp, Jeffrey Gibson, Laura Kimpton (SLS Miami, Burning Man, California) and Robert Indiana.

Words have appeared historically as artistic forms in illuminated manuscripts, in Arabic text on the walls of mosques and in its mosaic murals, on Chinese calligraphic scrolls. ‘Word’ as contemporary art form has been popularized by contemporary artists Ruche, Wiener, Kruger and Holzer, Anastasi and others. Words have the power to hurt and to heal, to be offered as prayer or diatribe. Some of these ‘word’ facets will be explored in the works presented at the HVCCA. Education programs, word performances and readings by renowned poets Gerald Stern and Cindy Beer Fouhy, will enhance the visual exhibition at the HVCCA.

Two featured projects in WORD are:

I’m Tired Project by British artists Paula Akpan and Harriet Evans, highlighting the lasting impact of everyday micro-aggressions, assumptions & stereotypes. Performance is fused with written word as each of the participants formulate statements completing the phrase ‘I’m tired of…” The statement can address absolutely any kind of discrimination that the individual has personally experienced or feels passionate about. The artist duo then transcribe the individual’s text onto his/her bare back, excising the tension through this very physical act. Photography documents the final product, serving as a personal and communal diary of purification and absolution.

Visions From the Inside, a collaborative project between visual artists and detained migrants at the Karnes Detention Center. The project—a collaboration between migrant artist network CultureStrike, LGBTQ advocacy group Mariposa Sin Fronteras and immigrant justice organization End Family Detention—features the work of 15 artists.

WORD artists: Fafnir Adamites • Paula Apkan & Harriet Evans • Victoria Arakcheyeva • Elizabeth Arnold • Paul Arts • Robert Barthelmes • Carly Blais • Mati Bracha • Jo-Ann Brody • Stefan Bruggermann • Robert Brush • Collective Settlement • Valeria Clark • Beatrice Coron • Kathryn Frund • Jeffrey Gibson • Sally Gil • Nicolae Golici • Dylan Graham • Inguna Gremzde • Ann Hamilton • Erica Hauser • Robert Indiana • Carla Rae Johnson • Lance Johnson • Laura Kimpton • Job Koelewijn • Carole Kundstadt • Nestor Madalengoitia • Jean-Marie Martin • Barry Mason • John Mellencamp • Kristina & Marek Milde • Bernard Mindich • Patricia Miranda • Oscar Murillo • Basha Ruth Nelson • Adam Niklewicz • Robert Olsson • Pamela Pearce • Emma Rivers • Lucas Rollins-Page • Gina Scalza • Bill Schuck • Mike Seri • Dusty Simi • Julie Sittler • Tom Smith • Willie Wayne Smith • Kristin Thielking & Keven Brunett • Justin Randolph Thomson & Bradly Dever Treadaway • Les Von Losberg

Museum Hours:
Friday 11am – 5pm
Saturday & Sunday 12pm – 6pm
Tuesday -Thursday by prior appt.

Museum Admission:
Adults – $5
Seniors / Educators -$4*
Students / Children – $2*
Children under 8yrs – Free
Members – Free

*With valid ID

Tours available upon request.

For more information, please check our website, or e-mail us at info@hvcca.org.