The Myth of Normal, A Celebration of Authentic Expression

On view until May 19, 2024.

MAAM. Massart Museum. 621 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115

Massachusetts College of Art and Design,

The Myth of Normal: A Celebration of Authentic Expression looks at societal norms that have been codified over our collective past. Focusing on the achievements of MassArt’s alumni, this exhibition is guest-curated by Mari Spirito ’92 on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

Chandra Méndez-Ortiz M’05

Parks Entrance (from the series Love Letters to the Culture), 2023

Acrylic, collaged papers, magazines, photographs, and charcoal on canvas

60” x 40”

Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Kayafas, Boston

 Mendez-Ortiz centers the Black woman in her homage to Gordon Parks’ 1956 photograph Department Store Mobile, Alabama, which documents the everyday activities and rituals of one extended African American family living in the rural South under Jim Crow. In Parks Entrance, collaged elements and abstract painting offer layered narratives, while the various textures, scarring, and mending of paper and canvas evoke tensions and symbolize trauma manifesting in our collective psyche. This painting is part of a series titled Love Letters to the Culture, which draws on the lineage of photography of Black picture makers, the profound storytelling of August Wilson's century cycle of plays, and the speculative fiction of Octavia Butler to open up futuristic visions of Black culture.

You Belong Here

Chandra Méndez-Ortiz & Cecilia Méndez-Ortiz

On view May 17th - June 22nd, 2024

OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, May 17th, 5:30-8:00pm

Gallery Kayafas, 450 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, Wednesday - Saturday, 11am - 5:30pm

Studio Pop-up / Artist in Residence, Wednesday’s, 11:30am - 3pm

You Belong Here is an exhibition that brings together the work of two distinct yet connected artists- Chandra and Cecilia Méndez-Ortiz who both explore labor, language, culture and identity through their work.  Creating a sense of belonging has been at the heart of both artists’ artistic, educational and community work.