No matter what side of the political spectrum you fall on, there’s no doubt that we are currently in some of the most turbulent political times since the 1960s. It seems everyone is doing what they can to speak out about their political beliefs, and of course artists are no exception to that. One group of artists, which includes CALA studio art professor Meera Thompson, are currently putting together an exhibition called …Or Curse the Darkness: Atlantic Gallery Artists Respond to Our Moment.
The exhibition takes its name from a saying that was most famously invoked by John F. Kennedy: “Light the candle or curse the darkness.” The purpose of the event, then, seeks to shed a light on the current situation and provide people with the means to understand the modern world through art.
The show will take place at the Atlantic Gallery from May 16th to June 3rd. The gallery is open from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and stays open later on Thursdays, when you can view the exhibition until 8 p.m. There will also be a panel of art historians and critics Robert C. Ferrari, James M. Saslow, Marisa Lerer, and Amara Magloughlin on Thursday, June 1st from 6 to 8 p.m. You can also click on the poster above to see the full list of artists and other information.
You also have the chance to learn from one of the artists, as Meera Thompson is teaching two courses this summer: Drawing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Drawing Techniques for Art Specialists. While neither is overtly political, you can use these classes as a jumping off point to begin your own projects that allow you to light your own candle.