I am honored to share that I have been selected to be part of a group show, “All Black and White,” at the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque Balloon Museum, Curated by Rachel Moore, Curator of Exhibitions at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and Augustine Romero, Gallery Curator for the City of Albuquerque.
In my piece “Homage to Maria Martinez,” I was inspired by her black on black pottery that has helped preserve the cultural art of her Tewa heritage. Using natural India Ink on Mulberry Paper, I saturated the paper that is mounted on a wood panel. Allowing the layers of ink to dry in the heat of the desert sun, the paper got worn and developed a weathered surface. Rubbing graphite stick into geometric patterns, I pay homage to the pattern and design of San IIdefonso Pottery.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Nan Masland | 505-768-6020 nmasland@cabq.gov July 22, 2021 Balloon Museum Announces All Black and White, an Exhibition Exploring the Unique Designs of New Mexico Artists
ALBUQUERQUE - The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum has announced a new fine art exhibition opening Thursday, July 29 at the Balloon Museum. On view through the summer of 2022, the exhibit is a collaboration between the Balloon Museum and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.All Black and White explores the use of black and white design in contemporary New Mexico art and connects the striking use of those shades to the black and white striped attire of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® Launch Directors. In the sea of color and texture, launch directors, fondly called “Zebras,” clear the way for each hot air balloon to launch safely into the sky. It’s a Go,” © Bobby Gutierrez.
Black and white is the most basic form of drawing and design. The stark contrast catches the eye and can project movement, intrigue, and even stories. New Mexico holds a rich and long-standing history of black and white. Pottery left by Ancestral Puebloan people reveals intricate and complex designs through natural pigments. Today, those designs are maintained in the works of the living Pueblo People and inspire contemporary artists.
Curated by Rachel Moore, Curator of Exhibitions at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and Augustine Romero, Gallery Curator for the City of Albuquerque, the exhibition features drawings, paintings, sculpture, mixed media works, and murals by ten New Mexico artists.“Galaxy,” Steve Smith, Ink on paper, 11" x 14”, © Steve Smith. The artists featured are Marla Allison, Karl Bautista, Amanda Beardsley, Celestino Crowhill, Danielle Rae Miller, Danila Rumold, Jessey Sandoval, Charmaine Shutiva, Steve Smith, and Shawn Turung. The exhibition will also include a slideshow of crowdsourced photographs of “Zebras” submitted by Balloon Fiesta attendees.
Curator Augustine Romero notes, “All Black and White is a fresh and exciting adventure. It has scale and dimension that creates for interesting reflection on the concept of black and white from an artist's perspective.” And from curator Rachel Moore, “New Mexico has such a deep and rich history of art and design. This show is a great opportunity to explore that history in a very fundamental form that continues on into contemporary art and even seen in unique Zebra fashion.” The exhibition opens on Thursday, July 29 with an opening reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This opening event is free and open to the public.
Founded in 1976 by the 19 Pueblo tribes of New Mexico, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a world-class museum and cultural center located in the historic 19 Pueblos District. The IPCC’s mission is to preserve and perpetuate Pueblo culture, and to advance understanding by presenting with dignity and respect the accomplishments and evolving history of the Pueblo peoples of New Mexico. Visitors can learn fascinating history, shop for Native jewelry and art, watch a cultural dance, hear Native languages, and experience the flavors of traditional and contemporary Native cuisine.
Named in honor of Albuquerque's pioneering aeronauts Maxie Anderson and Ben Abruzzo, the Balloon Museum opened in 2005 and has since welcomed over one million visitors from across New Mexico, the United States, and around the world. Through its extensive collection of artifacts, interactive special exhibitions, and engaging educational programs, the Museum is a gateway to science, exploration, and discovery. The Museum is open year round and hosts many community-oriented special events, features unique art and architecture, and offers distinctive rental spaces for meetings, weddings and receptions, and other celebrations.
The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is operated by the Department of Arts & Culture, City of Albuquerque, Tim Keller, Mayor. For more information, please visit www.cabq.gov/balloon or call 311 or 505-768-6020. TTY users may call 711.