Current Exhibits at the Columbia Museum of Art

There are three great temporary exhibits currently going on at the Columbia Museum of art in South Carolina.

First is 22 South Carolinians (thru May 22, 2022) featuring black artists in the state who explore their past, present and future states of blackness. The result is stunning.

This piece is by Ija Charles, a young woman whose art I have already admired since she has painted building murals in the city for everyone to enjoy.

Bridge City, 2021 (mixed media, acrylic, foam board)

Next is by Tonya Gregg. This wonderful piece, in the artist's words, portrays "the inevitable struggles humans have with life and death." With the message of "enjoying one's own cultural interest, authenticity and overcoming a complex world."

A Holistic World View, 2017 (acrylic on linen)

The most inspiring piece for me was by J. Renee. It is very personal telling the story of the artist's fourth great grandmother who was a midwife delivering babies for mothers of slaves as well as white babies. This woman was given as a gift by the owner of the Davis Plantation in SC to his daughter. The piece highlights her strength as well as that of her husband who remained on the plantation but visited her each week by bravely walking the streets in the 1800s. This region is filled with such poignant stories but also equally moving.

Red Riding Hood of Ogun and the Gatekeepers, 2021

Another exhibit is titled 30 Americans (Thru January 17, 2022) featuring black artists over the last few decades. These works explore a wide variety of emotions.

I tend to gravitate towards the more uplifting works like this by Kerry James Marshall. Although at second glance the artist "chose to paint the hearts pink specifically to emphasize the disconnection between the overtly romantic imagery in the foreground and the historical and political imagery in the background. "

Vignette #10, 2007 (acrylic on fiberglass)

This piece below is by Mickalene Thomas. Thomas created this to "portray the beauty and sexuality that I see from women that I grew up with." The use of enamel and rhinestones made this piece so eye catching!

Baby I am Ready Now, 2007 (diptych, acrylic, rhinestones and enamel on wooden panel)

Robert Colescott created the next striking painting titled Ode to Joy. This was inspired by abstract expressionism. There was no blurb about its meaning. I suppose it is simply an ode to joy to gaze and smile at.

Ode to Joy, 1997 (acrylic on canvas)

The third visiting exhibit is Venezia by Michael Kenna through March 13, 2022. This series of photos taken over the period between 1980 - 2008, using extended exposure at night and developing in black and white, creates an eerie effect on this sinking city. These being behind glass capture my unintended selfie!

Rubbish Bins, Piazza San Marco, 2008

Palazzo Ducale Reflection, 1987

Column, Piazzetta San Marco, 1987

White Boat, Fondamenta Zattere ai Saloni, 2006

I hope you enjoyed this sampling! Each exhibit was unique and entertaining to peruse. 

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val