An exhibition of artworks focusing on how people see themselves in today’s society ran at the Cabrillo Gallery through April 8.
Cabrillo invited professional artists from all over the country to reflect on themes such as gender, the stigma of mental illness, and cultural identities, allowing for the viewer to discover multiple perspectives.
The 30-piece exhibit was curated by Pauli Ochi of Ochi Projects of Los Angeles, a gallerist experienced in shows around the theme of Identity.
“Love is Everything They Said it Would Be,” an oil painting by Joan Cox, shows an everyday scene with a female couple sitting affectionately in a living room. Cox has been working to bring the lesbian perspective to paintings, and explains her work as “celebrating the female gaze and perspective and intentionally subverting the male gaze.”
In another piece, a self-portrait sculpture by Dan Woodard, a baby’s body is juxtaposed with his head as an adult, expressing how time affects his identity and how the world sees him.
“Time has always been a mystery to me, and this work captures my befuddlement of the dramatic change that is brought about by the passing years,” Woodard said.
A work by Monica Marks shows a mask on a podium with a shiny silver face on one side, while the other side is lined with pills. An art therapist who is open about her struggle with anxiety and depression, Marks said, “My artwork shines a light on identities, disabilities, and differences that are often kept hidden from the public.”
“As we come out of our shells (from the pandemic), it’s especially nice to have an exhibit about understanding the diversity of people around us; it gently opens up a dialogue,” said program coordinator Victoria May. “Many visitors have been sharing a response of empathy, which is something the world needs more of.”
The show was the first in-person show of 2022, and one of the six shows that are presented each year. Three annual shows are curated by Cabrillo: a fundraiser (The 12 x 12); a show featuring the art of Cabrillo students; and a show by current or previous faculty members.
The gallery is at Cabrillo College in the Library building, room 1002.
Hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday evenings 7-9 p.m.
Contact: 831-479-6308
Admission is free. Parking is available on public streets or paid in student/visitor lots.
Guests must follow all of Cabrillo’s Covid-19 protocols.
Gallery photos courtesy of Lucille Tepperman
