For Immediate Release
January 18, 2014
CSULA Gallery Announcement
Urban Release by Margaret Alarcón
The Fine Arts Gallery presents Urban Release, an exhibition of unique, intricate, photographic cut-outs made by Margaret Alarcón. Alarcón is an MFA Graduate presenting her final thesis exhibition in the Studio Arts.
These new works investigate the evolution of feminine identity and the suffocating impact of urban life. Cultural history and memory as process inspire Alarcón’s work. The intention of this work is to encourage a dialog about the importance of connecting with the wisdom of ancient instinct or what Carl Jung referred to as the collective unconscious. This intelligence can be personally transformative when attempting to recover the roots of one’s identity, especially through the domestic experience. According to Celia Herrera Rodriguez and Cherrie Moraga, "what may at first appear ordinary and mundane, within the displaced meXicana household, the metal pot and cup, the bag of beans, represent ways of making home that have survived migration. When "we ‘perform’ memory, we remember..." our ancestors
Alarcón uses Papel Picado methods along with silkscreen to remind her of what remains of her ancestors. Papel Picado is traditionally used in festivities and celebrations in Mexico and throughout the Southwestern United States. The contemporary use of ancient traditional art, personalize and link the work to her cultural heritage. The grid represents the impact of civilization and the negative space represents the parts in history that are lost. The shadows of these sculptural objects create and embody the unknown layers signifying the secrets that all families carry. The presentation of these works float like memories and carry an emotional stillness that is filled with celebration and quiet conflict.
Margaret Alarcón is a professional artist, teacher and community arts activist from East Los Angeles. She graduated from National University with an M.E.D. specializing in cross‐cultural art education and received her B.F.A. in illustration from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena with a special interest in printmaking. Since 1997 she has volunteered as a Co‐Founder, Development Director and Publication Coordinator for Mujeres de Maiz of Los Angeles, a grassroots, multimedia women’s art‐ivist organization. Their mission is to unite and empower women of all ages, colors, and sexualities by creating safe community spaces that provide art education, mentorship, art exhibition, and publishing opportunities.
The Fine Arts Gallery would like to invite you to the
Opening Reception, Saturday February 22, 4pm-8pm
The Fine Arts Gallery is open Monday through Saturday; from noon to 5p.m. Admission is free.
Parking available on campus in Lot C for 1$ per hour. Free disabled parking available behind the Fine Arts building.
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Exhibition Dates: February 22 - March 8, 2014
For More information
Contact: Karin Lanzoni, Gallery Director
Office: (323)343-4040
Email: krl@periscopes.org.