Description

Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum celebrates the opening of four new exhibitions featuring artists Michael Farmer, Jacqueline Chanda and Emily C. McPhie, and the group exhibition “Materializing Mormonism: Trajectories in Contemporary Latter-day Saint Art.” This season explores the complexity of modern science and reason and the traditional values of religion and belief. From their diverse cultural, spiritual, religious and social differences, contemporary artists respond to their experiences using various techniques and mediums.

The free opening reception includes musical entertainment, light refreshments and a cash bar on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 7–10 p.m.

Summer 2024 Exhibitions

Admission is always free. Museum hours are: Closed Monday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday, Noon - 5 p.m. Sunday.

“Salvation in the Digital Age”
Michael Farmer

March 29–Aug. 4, 2024. This series of artworks focuses on the intersection of society and technology. The ideological motifs that motivate each artwork spring from Farmer’s personal history and tie into larger cultural concerns. This exhibition explores the artist’s perceptions of the spiritual and economic impact that the digital revolution has on humanity.

“Now and Then: The West Virginia Series”
Jacqueline Chanda

April 19–Aug. 4, 2024. The works in this series offer a glimpse into the past and present imagery of Black Appalachians and coal mining life. As a result, the work is historical in nature and depicts an intertwined vision of now and then based on stories Chanda’s mother told her as a child. The objective is to bring to the mind of the observer the fact that African Americans were and still are a part of Appalachian history.

“CROWN: A Process of Enlightenment”
Emily C. McPhie

April 26–Aug. 4, 2024. Feeling the need to decipher truth and a yearning to create, McPhie’s art explores conundrums, dichotomies and avenues for gathering strength, beauty and wisdom. The work conveys the duality of swimming in the deep waters of an eternal story and trudging through the messy realities of the everyday. Her overall concept is about receiving knowledge and inspiration. “It is not through perfection that we reach the divine, it is through our imperfections.”

“Materializing Mormonism: Trajectories in Contemporary Latter-day Saint Art”
Center for Latter-day Saint Arts

May 10–Aug. 4, 2024. “Materializing Mormonism” showcases a broad spectrum of contemporary art created by artists affiliated with and adjacent to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These artmakers reframe and expand upon Latter-day Saint theological and cultural concepts using a compelling range of media. These artworks demonstrate the vibrancy and complexity of artistic dialogues within Latter-day Saint visual culture, expanding visitors’ expectations of fine art inspired by this increasingly worldwide faith. The substantial exhibition features works from more than 35 artists from around the globe, including Eduardo Alvarez, Ginny Huo, Susana Isabel de Silva, Brian Kershisnik, Mary Sauer and Arizona-native Corrine Geertson.