Art That Cuts
San Diego Mesa College Art Gallery presents Art That Cuts, curated by students in the Museum Studies program under the direction of Professor Alessandra Moctezuma. 30 artists from the Southern California/Tijuana region will show works in diverse media that engage the act of cutting both literally and metaphorically. The exhibit features select works by guest juror, artist Bhavna Mehta. "I draw with a knife and paint with thread, cutting and sewing paper to tell visual stories," says Mehta. "My work is based on the idea that everything is connected...In telling one story in a particular setting, I hope to speak in a common language about cultural and personal associations." Works by selected artists range from abstract explorations of material to intimate depictions of the body and landscape. Other artists use humor or engage in cutting political commentary, dealing with issues of the border, gender politics, resistance and solidarity. The show blends these themes into an eclectic mix of views and artistic voices in vibrant conversation revealing connections to local, national and personal issues. Featured Artists Include: Jenny Armer, Jennifer Anne Bennett, Kristen Francis, Kaori Fukuyama, Christian Garcia-Olivo, Scott Gengelbach, Martha Gil, Richard Gleaves, Jill Holslin, Marianela de la Hoz, Terri Hughes-Oelrich, Kirby Kendrick, Bhavna Mehta, Laurel Moorhead, Hedda Neelsen, Kathy Nida, Margaret Noble, Amanda Oswald, Gina Pisello, Helen Redman, Gail Schneider, Cheryl Sorg, Andrew Sturm, Cesar Vasquez, Perry Vasquez, Melissa Walter, Nicole Waszak, Vincent Wray, Haier Yang. The students in the museum studies program have worked collaboratively to bring this exhibition to fruition. Developing a call for artists, selecting from a wide range of submissions, planning and arranging the gallery space and producing collateral materials. Professor Montezuma, gallery director, shares her expertise and experience as a fixture in the Southern California art scene to give her students valuable skills that will serve them as artists and professionals in the future. Join us Thursday April 12 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm for the opening reception and to speak with featured artists and students.