The clarity that comes from returning to a place once a year is very special.
An evolution is unfolding in Santa Fe and I was primed to be a witness, as I have enough distance and enough references to observe the change.
Full disclosure, I had some help, a guide if you will, to enlighten me to the bright new art energy. My insider was the art writer, Jordan Eddy. He generously showed me around the Stranger Collective's collaborative group show that he was instrimental in curating, along with Alex Gill and Kyle Farrell. This show entitled Mirror Box is an open expression on how these artists view reality.
Art by: Kevin Bond, Derek Chan, Kyle Farrell, Alex Gill, Erin Gould, Julia Haywood, Chaz John, Kat Kinnick, Shannon Latham, Ariana Lombardi, Emily Mason, Nate Massé, Drew MC, David O’Brien, Josh Palmeri, Sarah Palmeri, Alicia Piller, Julie Slattery, Dion Valdez, Emmaly Wiederholt, Ona Yopack
The worked touched on explorations of reality and of space. Questioning what can be tangible or what exist in a parallel world. Some works were reflections of a phantom idea, surreal landscapes or delusional relationships. The brilliance of this show was that this concept served as a springboard to invite many different threads to be delicately woven into subtly beautiful, and transportive moment.
This would not have been so masterful achieved without the thoughtful curation. It is apparent while viewing the show that each artist and piece of work was deeply understood and arranged to guide the view on a nonlinear journey with the art.
I can say with certainty that the artists and the community behind this show is the most promising energy to manifest itself in Santa Fe's. Shows such as these will lead Santa Fe’s art scene to a new horizon, and it’s not a mirage!
