Contemporary art encompasses more than our perception but also our mindset towards it and the world created by imagination. The belief is represented in artist Tavares Strachan’s extensive exhibition at LACMA, where people participate with numerous crafted universes that include components of history, science, and creation.
Visitors may have an all-encompassing experience involving art by simply walking in to the LACMA gallery. Instead of exhibiting individual fine art works of Strachan, he creates settings around those works exhibiting a cohesive story.
Each work is a form of access. Sculptures, installations using light, and mixed-media provide a comprehensive narrative regarding forgotten histories, yet-to-be-heard stories through overlooked voices, and man’s connection to discovery; both here on earth and in space. The exhibition encourages a slower viewing speed with the intent to stimulate thoughtful reflection.
Strachan has developed a practice that brings together disparate fields. His artistic work synthesizes ideas and concepts from science, space travel, cultural history and spirituality to create work that is both intellectually and emotionally based.
Gallery layout encourages artwork to breathe while still maintaining connection to the overall work. The balance of quiet/spaces with strong installation creates a rhythm that maintains engagement throughout the experience while not becoming overwhelming.
World-Making as a Creative Philosophy
The essence of this exhibit lies within the process of ‘world-making.’ For selective artists like Strachan, art does not solely exist as a reflection of a physical present reality, but it can be used to create brand new realities and to ask, for example: Who’s stories are being remembered? Who’s contributions are being erased? How are you as an artist, able to use art to help balance out these narratives?
There are many wonderful and striking characteristics about this exhibit; one in particular that stands out is how well they complement one another’s display of both scientific and poetic. The artist uses materials, including metal, neon light and found object, to symbolize knowledge, courage, and faith.
Strachan’s combination of his Caribbean heritage and his world travels is apparent throughout the exhibit. He crosses all disciplines; as he works to create something that is not only representative of him as an artist but also bares the marks of his international view. Work as it has the size and open concept required for the massive scope of his installations.
The exhibition is not limited to seasoned art enthusiasts. It speaks equally to visitors who are curious about history, science, and humanity’s shared future. Each artwork acts as an invitation—to question, to learn, and to imagine.
Ultimately, The exhibit is intended not only for seasoned art lovers but for all types of visitors who are interested in the past and the world we are creating together, whether that desire for knowledge is rooted in our desire to learn whether it is rooted in our desire to learn about ourselves as humans through the arts.
It’s About World-Making will demonstrate through his use of a thought-provoking, intentional approach that an exhibition can go beyond simply being an art exhibit: they have the power to be immersive EXPERIENCES that transform ourself’s perception and understanding of who we are as human beings.
