The Institute of Contemporary Art at Maine College of Art & Design (ICA at MECA&D) is pleased to announce the opening of Objects and Power, on view from October 4 to December 13, 2024. Objects and Power will open with a public reception on Friday, October 4, from 5:00–8:00pm.
Objects and Power is a group exhibition that examines the systems surrounding collections, investigating how history is told through the processes of acquiring and presenting art, artifacts, and texts. Objects and Power features ten artists whose work examines the roots of collecting and museums; instances of extraction, theft, and erasure; themes of Indigeneity, access, and ownership; and examples of artists and community groups telling stories and giving value to objects on their own terms.
Participating artists include:
- Morehshin Allahyari
- Maya Tihtiyas Attean '23 (member of the Penobscot Nation)
- Samuel Levi Jones
- SaraNoa Mark
- Nyeema Morgan
- Gala Porras-Kim
- Michael Rakowitz
- Sara Siestreem (Hanis Coos)
- Stephanie Syjuco
- William Villalongo
Objects and Power was developed to serve as a living laboratory, with themes woven throughout the curriculum at Maine College of Art & Design. The work featured in the exhibition opens up a series of conversations about the role and responsibilities of institutional collections. Objects and Power challenges audiences to question one’s role in the process of making and invites agency in navigating art world systems. A key aspect of this dialogue is to examine how art history is taught and to make greater strides toward decolonization.
In addition to curricular programs, Objects and Power public offerings* include:
Friday, October 4, 2024, 5:00-8:00pm at The ICA at MECA&D
Visiting Artist Talk with Samuel Levi Jones
Monday, October 7, 2024, 12:00-1:00pm at Osher Hall
In partnership with MECA&D’s Academic Studies department
“Objects & Indigeneity”: student-led conversation with Casey Matȟó
Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 3:00-4:00pm at The ICA at MECA&D
“Trans Objects and Representation”: student-led conversation with Lyra Noumena
Thursday, October 24, 2024, 3:00-4:00pm at The ICA at MECA&D
Student responsive exhibition led by Assistant Professor Benjamin Spalding’s OBJECT OBJECT OBJECT class
October 21 – November 21, 2024, Bob Crew and A&GA galleries
*Additional programming to be announced.
Generous support for the exhibition is provided by the Jeremy Moser and Laura Kittle Fund.