BELEN—Through the Flower Art Space will premiere new work by Judy Chicago in the exhibition, “CONFINED,” which is a response to the recent circumstances caused by COVID-19.

Judy Chicago
Artist

The exhibition will premiere, by appointment only, at The Through the Flower Art Space, 107 Becker Ave. in Belen, from 4-8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31.

This show will feature “Garden Smokes,” a set of 12 prints documenting a series of intimate smoke sculptures Judy Chicago created during the pandemic in her backyards in Belen and Albuquerque, which were photographed and printed by her husband, Donald Woodman.

In the early months of confinement, Chicago thought she would amuse herself by returning to her early days in California when she drove around with friends, placing colored smoke wherever she wished for a series titled “Atmospheres.” Chicago’s intention was to do similar pieces around New Mexico, but fireworks regulations prevented that.
Chicago turned her attention closer to home and created a series of pieces in her gardens, while attempting to express her feelings about the restricted life COVID produced — no travel, limited restaurant dining, and worst of all, no hugging of friends. The images are surrounded by words relating to the idea of confinement — enclosed, restricted, suppressed, constrained, entrapped, restrained, circumscribed, curtailed, impeded, limited and confined.

 

Chicago also designed several masks, thinking they might be an improvement to the black face coverings that were popping up everywhere. Lastly, the small porcelain in the show reflects the same feelings engendered by a period of time when life became a succession of daily challenges for everyone.

To celebrate the premiere of the new exhibition at Through the Flower Art Space on Oct. 31, The Grid Gallery, 208 Becker Ave., and Jaramillo Wine Tasting Room, 114 Becker Ave., will extend their hours of operation until 8 p.m.

The Grid Gallery will be decorated in festivity for the exhibition titled “The Macabre” with photography, artwork and handcrafted gifts by Danny Bernal Jr., Jerah R. Cordova, Cheryl MINA Colston, Daniel O. Montaño, Matt Barela, Guinivere Mayse, Olivia Reeves, Nikki Wilbur, Natalie Solis, Kevin Harding, Julie Plougmann, Laura Wacha and Lena Malcom.

Through the Flower Art Space is happy to partner with The Grid Gallery and Jaramillo Wine Tasting Room to try and bring beauty into a period of time that has been marked by difficulty and darkness.

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