Caribbean Cultures Explored in KMAC’s "Into the Mix" Exhibition

Written by Katina Macdonald Monday, 06 February 2012 23:43

Louisville, Kentucky.– The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft (KMAC) is pleased to present "Into the Mix", an exhibition that will stage a conversation about how materiality addresses the complexities of cultural stereotypes and feature works from 10 Caribbean artists: Janine Antoni, Christopher Cozier, Blue Curry, Carlos Gamez de Francisco, Marlon Griffith, Sofia Maldonado, Wendy Nanan, Ebony G. Patterson, Sheena Rose, and Heino Schmid, with accompanying text and daily blog entries by arts and cultural writer, Nicholas Laughlin. The exhibit will be on display from February 4th through April 14th, and the opening reception was held on February 3rd from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Several of the artists traveled to Louisville to spend the week of January 30th to February 4th working with local artists and students to create collaborative pieces for the exhibit, and they will also participate in panel discussions, guest lectures and performance art at institutions around the city.

In collaboration with this exhibition, Cuban painter Carlos Gamez de Francisco will begin working as KMAC’s artist-in-residence and will set up a working studio on the first floor of the Museum so the public can watch him create his newest series of paintings. Into the Mix will explore ideas from a variety of perspectives that describe the historical, conceptual, and aesthetic nature of the art works as singular vignettes, not as sweeping generalizations. To further the conversation of what is culturally authentic, the exhibition will reveal how disparate artists from the Caribbean connect with each other in a virtual world that has no boundaries. Through E-Catalogues by Draconian Switch and Richard Rawlins, the show will publish written texts with the artists, blog comments and include pictures from reviews, interventions, happenings, and discussions that happen in Louisville and other regions of the world during the 10 weeks. “The artists’ pieces take on new meanings in a context where cultural history is influenced by outside migrating populations, colonial governments, tourists and the popular culture machine,” says KMAC Executive Director Aldy Milliken. “In many societies, craft and hand-worked items help establish a culture of self-worth in the minds of the local population. The creation of these objects is influenced by the economic opportunity presented through tourism, yet souvenirs represent the visitor’s interests and are taken out of context.”


The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft provides a platform to explore materials, techniques, and artistic expression. The museum's goal is to educate and inspire while promoting a better understanding of art and craft through exhibitions, collaborations, outreach and the permanent collection. Founded in 1981, the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft (formerly Art and Craft Foundation) was started as a dream to build interest in the state’s rich craft and art resources. Seeds were quickly sown for the Kentucky Art and Craft Foundation to continue to develop and eventually have a physical presence in Louisville. In 1984 the organization moved into the lower level of 609 West Main Street for retail and exhibition space. At that time, West Main Street was very deserted, yet the importance and popularity of the organization exploded. In January of 2001 the organization purchased  two adjacent buildings at 715 and 717 West Main Street in the heart of Louisville’s West Main Street Historic District. Built in the 1880's the building is a four-story cast iron structure with a beautiful pastel facade and giant windows. After renovation, the facility provides 27,000 square feet of interior space in which to operate, spread over four floors and a lower level. The Museum annually offers large-scale exhibitions in its three gallery spaces as well as highlights from its permanent collection. KMAC’s exhibitions and programming attract visitors on a daily basis as well as record crowds for special event nights and on monthly trolley hop nights. The museum’s collection focuses on objects that relate to its history by showcasing regional folk art and craft. The collection celebrates exceptional moments of artistic and design excellence from our region. On display in the Brown Forman Gallery, it offers an in depth opportunity to explore the growing collection of objects from the region in order to share and highlight the rich cultural heritage of Kentucky. The permanent collection features work by artists that include: Marvin Finn, Rebecca Seigel, Minnie & Garland Adkins, Sarah Frederick, Rude Osolnik, Alma Lesch and Wayne Ferguson. Visit the museum's website at ... http://www.kentuckyarts.org

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