Under Water

January 21-April 8, 2023 at the Palo Alto Art Center

The PAAC writes:

Under Water explores the rich undercurrents in the water around us, through work in a wide range of media by a diverse collection of artists. The exhibition addresses diverse topics around water—what is in our water, how much we consume, how climate change has impacted water, how humans have sought to control water sources and to what effect, and the symbolic role of water in moving people literally and metaphorically.

The artists in Under Water explore a range of concerns lurking under the surface, bringing them to light. In this exhibition, we will find an exploration of the significance of water as a medium for migration and the role of water in environmental justice. Some artists use research, mapping and measuring data to share perspectives on water use, facts, and effects. Works in the exhibition help us experience the impact of sea level rise and realize the environmental benefits of marshlands. Other artists creatively address water pollution, plastic waste, and the impact of climate change on ocean temperatures and ecosystems.

Artists in the exhibition include: Kim Anno, Barbara Boissevain, Sukey Bryan, Judith Content, Jeffrey Downing, Ana Teresa Fernández, Linda Gass, Tanja Geis, Liz Hickok, Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle, Hughen/Starkweather, Judith Selby Lang and Richard Lang, Trinh Mai, Danae Mattes, John Sabraw, Adrien Segal, Joan Takayama-Ogawa.

https://www.facebook.com/paloaltoartcenter/videos/871045607466066/

Judith writes:

Under Water might be an under statement. We were so buoyed by the enthusiastic crowd at the opening reception and the many positive comments about the show and our work. What a wonderful evening. 

It was Karen Kienzle's brilliant curatorial decision to display our ghost net and the nurdles in proximity, front and center, making visible these two nigh invisible pieces of plastic pollution. 

In the interest of making the artwork accessible to the visually impaired, the PAAC asked for recorded descriptions. 

Here is a sample of one. Have a listen:

https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Community-Services/Arts-Sciences/Palo-Alto-Art-Center/See-Art/Exhibitions/Current-Exhibitions/Under-Water-Exhibition-Page/Judith-Selby-Lang-and-Richard-Lang

Judith Selby Lang and Richard Lang About the artistsFor the past two decades Judith Selby Lang and Richard Lang have collected over two tons of plastic trash from 1000 yards of Kehoe Beach along the Point Reyes National Seashore in California. The transformation of plastic debris into engaging works of art is... www.cityofpaloalto.org

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