| World Histories presents 11 artists whose work fits comfortably at the forefront of the international contemporary art scene and its continuing dialogue with aesthetics, formalism, and the influence of the artists who have come before. However, while participating in this globe-spanning conversation, each of these artists uses his or her work (and the “language” of contemporary art-making) to present a unique expression of their respective identities as individuals, defined by the specific place, time, and culture he or she emerged from. |
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Laura Burkhalter, Assistant Curator
World Histories is on view at the Des Moines Art Center through August 31.
World Histories presents 11 artists whose work fits comfortably at the forefront of the international contemporary art scene and its continuing dialogue with aesthetics, formalism, and the influence of the artists who have come before. However, while participating in this globe-spanning conversation, each of these artists uses his or her work (and the “language” of contemporary art-making) to present a unique expression of their respective identities as individuals, defined by the specific place, time, and culture he or she emerged from. Within single works Minimalism combines with traditional craft technique, found objects sit alongside devotional figures, and scenes from warring cultures clash and coalesce. World Histories was conceived as a way of celebrating the Art Center’s 60th anniversary by following our mission statement in celebrating the art of out times. The idea behind the exhibition was not only to present emerging artists, but to also acknowledge the increasingly global scope of the art world. Choosing a “best of” list of artists from various countries was not a strong enough concept to form a thoughtful exhibition around, so the decision was made to seek out work that contained elements of the specific region or culture the artist came from—a local voice expressed within innovative, 21st century art.
A primary goal of World Histories is to examine art with contexts both local and global. Thematically, this exhibition reflects this moment in history, as mass media, high-speed communication, rapidly evolving technology, and issues of globalism both positive and negative effect politics and culture around the world. As is the case with many professional spheres, the “art world” is no longer confined to one or two major cities in America and Western Europe, with vibrant art centers now existent across almost every continent. In many ways, artists working today exemplify the term “global citizen,” often growing up in one region, being educated or working in another, and exhibiting at galleries, fairs, and museums around the world. The artist’s highlighted in World Histories have all followed this path, while still retaining an individual voice in their work that expressions the aesthetics, traditions, or craft of the culture he or she came from. Issues of inter-cultural communication—mistranslation, appropriation, hybridization, and even exploitation—are evident throughout the work presented in the show.
Even for artists working thousands of miles away, the impact of America presents itself in much of the World Histories, particularly its popular cultural and perceived obsession with consumerism. Many of the artists in the show use their work to criticize, subvert, or celebrate this influence. However, if artists from Japan to South Africa mine hip-hop culture for imagery, Spiderman appears in galleries from Vancouver to Indonesia, and the insatiable desire for the newest and best consumer goods has infected every growing economy across the globe, it calls into the question whether classifying these concepts as “American” remains accurate. World Histories addresses this question with art focused on both the increasing homogenization of world culture and the empowerment of distinct, localized voices. The artists in this exhibition navigate the complex terrain between these extremes, matching mass media with traditional craft, and Pop Art with native mythology.
