ON VIEW is a printed and an online section in which Flash Art invites prominent figures of the art world to select the best current and upcoming international exhibitions.
“Grief and Grievance: Art and Mourning in America”
New Museum
Through June 6, 2021
In her catalogue essay for the exhibition, Claudia Rankine posits, “The condition of Black life is one of mourning.” “Grief and Grievance: Art and Mourning in America” was conceived by visionary curator and thinker Okwui Enwezor and is presented posthumously by a team of star-studded curatorial advisors. In the wake of what Enwezor pointed to as the normalization of white nationalism in the media — the apex of a long history of structural racism under the Trump era — this exhibition considers artworks made throughout the last half-century that center Black grief and commemoration. Highlighting such artists as Arthur Jafa, Carrie Mae Weems, Sable Elyse Smith and others, this is surely an exhibition not to miss.
“Queer Communion: Ron Athey”
Participant Inc.
Through April 4, 2021
Curated by scholar Amelia Jones, “Queer Communion: Ron Athey” is this pioneering performance artist’s first retrospective. While many know Athey’s work as the subject of controversy and political attack by the conservative right during the 1990s culture wars, this exhibition provides context for his transgressive practice. It highlights themes across his work and life such as religion, music, club culture, tattoos, BDSM, performance art, and community. Athey’s oeuvre feels timely to consider as a historical reference point for anyone invested in ritual, queer and punk subcultures, and collectivity.
Guadalupe Maravilla
Socrates Sculpture Park
From May through September, 2021
Multidisciplinary artist Guadalupe Maravilla creates intricate sculptures as vehicles for indigenous ritual practices and sound healing therapy. His ongoing “Disease Throwers” series, expanded through newly commissioned work for Socrates Sculpture Park, brings together a variety of different materials — both organic and man-made — from found objects to live botanicals and metal gongs. Inspired by his personal experiences crossing the US border as a youth and overcoming cancer, Maravilla’s functional sound sculptures provide an alternative model of communal healing and care at a time when sanctuary and respite are desperately needed.
