Six very serious Denver art shows to see now
FROM 1E
The coronavirus pandemic may be fading, but the thoughtfulness and introspection that defined the way we considered the world over the past two years is just now showing in the region’s art galleries.
These exhibitions string together along threads of identity, self- reflection, deep meditation and social conscience. They all promise excellence while demanding gallery visitors consider their own ways of viewing the world.
It’s spring now and our art is getting serious.
Solo shows Kevin Townsend, Natani Notah
and Erica Green, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, through June 12
BMOCA continues its current run as the most compelling showcase for new art in the region with these complementary exhibitions by Erica Green, Natani Notah and Kevin Townsend, three artists defined by the thoughtfulness and, perhaps more notably, the meticulousness of their work.
Green is a fiber artist whose sitespecific installation “Once They Were Red” employs multitudes of knots, hand- tied into felt — one after another after another — that reflect on “the endless process of repairing and rebuilding oneself.”
Townsend makes very detailed, abstract drawings in which one delicate mark leads to the next, documenting both time and memory. The retrospective show is meant to explain the artist’s process, starting with smaller sketches and leading up to a massive, 40- foot drawing that Townsend created on a wall during a week’s work.
Notah’s “Inner Lining” builds upon three separate bodies of work that come together in her exploration of “contemporary Native American identity through the lens of
Diné womanhood.”
Info: 1750 13th St., Boulder. 303443- 2122 or bmoca. org. Admission is $ 2.
Ken Gun Min, “Wounded Man, Hard- Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World,” K Contemporary, though April 30
South Korean artist Ken Gun Min’s second showing at K Contemporary is a nod to the writing of Japanese author Haruki Murakami but also something of an autobiographical journey for “an immigrant artist caught between Eastern and Western traditions,” as gallery owner Doug Kacena puts it. In that way, Min’s multimedia work feels as influenced by ancient- world Japanese watercolors as it does by Renaissance masterworks as it does by modern, superhero comics.
At first glance, the pieces attract with bright colors and exaggerated energy, but there is a lot of complicated self- analysis going on across the surface. Be sure to see a fresh batch of Mario Zoots’ collages in K’s project space.
Info: 1412 Wazee St. 303- 5909800 or kcontemporaryart. com. Free.
Group shows
“Presentiment,” through April 9, Dairy Arts Center
The Dairy Arts Center has had success lately building group shows around complex and ethereal themes that connect to the way we cope as citizens of a rapidly changing, contemporary world. The shows gives multiple artists a chance to reach the public while challenging gallery visitors to check their own thinking against that of thoughtful painters, sculptors and other creatives. “Presentiment” boldly aims for the profound, showing work that addresses “the internal turmoil that teems within the human experience,” a statement that is both intimidating and irresistible.
The lineup includes three familiar Colorado names: Paula Gasparini- Santos, Sarah Darlene Palmeri and Alli Lemon, along with Emily Mcilroy, who works in Hawaii.
Info: 2590 Walnut St., Boulder. 303- 444- 7328 or thedairy. org. Free.
“Malintzin: Unraveled and Rewoven,” CU Denver ExperiGallery, though May 1
This unusual exhibition is a self- produced companion to the Denver Art Museum’s captivating “Traitor, Survivor, Icon: The Legacy of La Malinche” and both shows delve into the legacy of the title character, Malintzin, the indigenous Mexican icon who served as an interpreter, and consort, for Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. History has gone back and forth over whether she was a traitor or a victim of circumstance.
This show is built around contributions from artist and fashion designer Norberto “Beto” Mojardin, who has a created a custom, corn husk dress for the show; Lilian Lara, who will show weavings and theatrical art pieces; and CU Denver College of Arts & Media professor Bryan Leister, who worked with students to create a digital app that adds an element of interactivity to the occasion.
Info: 1025 13th St, Denver ( in the Denver Performing Arts Complex, across from the Buell Theatre). nextstagecu. org
“Architecture of Form,” Core New Art Space, through May 8
This group exhibition, co- curated by Jude Barton and J.
Bruce Wilcox, pulls together the work of 14 artists affiliated with Core. They are a disparate group with varying styles, but also with a common mission: to explore the connection between art and geometry.
This line- intensive work has roots in several of the major visual movements of the 20th century, ranging from Concrete Art to Constructivism to Bauence haus, and this show recognizes that past while attempting to move a body bold, visual expression forward into the present day.
This is the third iteration of Architecture of Form, and it is always one of Core Art Space’s most- visited events. A few names on display: Craig Robb, Craig Rouse and Jean Smith, along with the curators themselves.
Info: 6851 W. Colfax Ave., located in the 40 West District. Lakewood. 303- 297- 8428 or coreartspace. com. Free.
“Wild Narratives”, through May 7, Walker Fine Art
Bobbi Walker, Denver’s most dependable gallerist, has corralled the work of six of her artists into the exhibition “Wild Narratives,” and the timing could not be better. Spring is here and this show is all about the wonders of landscape and flora and getting outside.
All six artists bring their own, sometimes very personal interpretation of the great outdoors, from Don Quade’s abstracted paintings of gardens in flux to Sammy Lee’s paper reliefs that capture and soul of plants in their creases and folds. It’s a high- quality crowd, though Kevin Hoth’s digitally collaged photos of colorful flowers that appear to be set in motion do threaten to steal the show.
Info: 300 West 11th Ave. 303355- 8955 or walkerfineart. com. Free.