Penelope Misceo
Staff Writer
The Torrance Art Museum’s newest exhibit, “Protest, noun” explores social injustices in the current political climate with artwork that affects viewers even after the exhibit is over.
“Protest, noun” opened on Jan. 19, and the diverse collections of artwork cleverly convey messages related to social injustices. The exhibit is effective and doesn’t shy away from discussing topical themes.
The gallery includes colorful pieces of art, such as neon signs and vibrant paintings, which all discuss pressing issues that are currently affecting the globe. “Protest, noun” concentrated on relevant topics, including immigration, homelessness, police brutality and gun violence. The exhibit sends a clear message to its audience about its stance on such injustices.
The exhibit includes acrylic paintings, charcoal, ink, and sculptures, as well as unique mediums such as produce boxes. Each piece of artwork explores its themes and promotes reform in the social system.
Some pieces of art are connected, including Patrick Martinez’s acrylics on panel, “All American Class of 2016” and “Po-lice Censored Misconduct Misprint 3.” These pieces morph the cover of 1940s and 1950s Pee Chee folders, which are portfolios that were used by students to hold schoolwork, and replaced its original cover art with images displaying police brutality. Its vibrant colors and depictions of violence leaves the audience connected to the art, as the people in the painting have vivid facial features.
The gallery also includes neon signs with vibrant colors. The artwork incorporated political messages, including “Fight the Power” and “Deport ICE.” These signs depict messages about immigration and its changing position in the United States. This diversifies the exhibit with its unique mediums, as well as its clear message.
Forrest Kirk’s spray paint acrylic, “Judge, Jury, and Executioner” is one of the most powerful and clear pieces of artwork with its message about gun violence and police brutality. The piece depicts a man pointing a gun at something, although it cannot be seen on the painting. In his head, people are shown with red blended into their bodies, one including a large red X. This is one of the most resonating pieces of the “Protest, noun” as it clearly displays the brutal reality of gun violence and its devastating results.
“Protest, noun” presents effective pieces of art which courageously discusses heavy topics. With its diverse mediums, the gallery innovatively reaches its audience. Its messages about topical and intense issues make it extremely relevant for the modern day. Each piece gives a clear stance, but also leaves room for the viewer to interpret. The exhibit provides thought-provoking messages, which are all extremely relevant to the current social and political climate. Its strongest feature is its ability to reach diverse audiences with its moving and explicit pieces of artwork.
“Protest, noun” is open from Jan. 19 to March 9 at the Torrance Art Museum. For more information on future exhibits, visit http://www.torranceartmuseum.com/.
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