Material Systems is a group exhibition showcasing works by artists whose systematic methodologies inform their artistic practices, encompassing works that span painting, printmaking, collage, animation, and sculpture. Through additive processes, these artists construct, layer, and integrate materials into cohesive yet dynamic works that emphasize craftsmanship and materiality.
The exhibition foregrounds the artists’ use of meticulous processes, such as stacking, layering, and excavating, to form their distinct artistic voices. Often defying or expanding the limitations of artistic categorization, many of the works blend technologies and traditional techniques to find hybridity between media. Similarly, themes of memory, identity, transformation, nostalgia, and angst are explored and combined in the works presented. The exhibition, held at MICA's Riggs and Leidy galleries, is meant to inspire student artists to explore the conceptual significance of materials and methods in their own creative practice.
Alex Ebstein is an artist and curator based in Baltimore, MD and James Williams II is an artist, curator and faculty member of MICA’s painting department. The two artists/curators both work in the area of painting and utilize atypical materials and techniques to achieve their ends, including yoga mats, velcro, mixed media, applique, and ceramics.
Exhibiting Artists: Matt Bollinger, Richard Hart, Andrew Hladky, E E Ikeler, Saskia Krafft, Gracelee Lawrence, Austin Lee, Aryana Minai, Danni O’Brien, Michael Stamm, Elisa Soliven, Karen Yasinsky, Monsieur Zohore
"Material Studies", curated by Alex Ebstein and James Williams II, will be on view from January 17th to February 9th, 2025 in MICA's Riggs and Leidy galleries (Lazarus Center, Floor 1 + Lower Level - 131 W North Avenue).
RELATED EVENTS
- Opening Reception: Friday, January 24th, 5-7pm
- Exhibition Talk: TBA
GALLERY HOURS
Riggs & Leidy Galleries: Monday - Sunday, 10AM - 5PM. *Galleries will be closed 1/20/25*
Campus galleries are open to the public. Outside visitors can enter galleries after signing in at the front desk of the respective building. Please note, on weekends outside visitors will need to be accompanied by a MICA community member with a MICA ID in order to swipe and gain access into respective buildings.