A Layered Presence / Una presencia estratificada
Artists and art are multilayered.
Each artist in this exhibition is a nuanced individual, with many layers informing their identity and the stories they tell through their art. Among them are their experiences, passions, and roles in our community. These layers are interwoven with strong personal ties to Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Colombia, Uruguay, and Peru.
Like the artists themselves, their art is also multifaceted—composed of layers of subject matter, materials, and meaning. At the intersection of these layers, there is evidence of lived experiences. Artists also reckon with immigration and LGBTQIA+ issues as well as address family dynamics, ancestral relationships, healing, place, and more. While some of these layers reveal, others purposefully protect and conceal.
The power to authentically tell one’s own story is significant. It can foster connection, promote understanding, preserve history, and signify resilience. For this exhibition, the artists wrote labels to accompany their art and recorded audio interviews. Using the Smartify app, scan a work of art to hear more from each artist.
Los artistas y el arte contienen muchas capas.
Cada artista en esta exhibición es un individuo con matices, con muchas capas que informan sus identidades y las historias que optan por narrar mediante su arte. Entre ellas son sus experiencias, pasiones y rol en nuestra comunidad. Esas capas se entretejen con fuertes vínculos culturales a México, Cuba, la República Dominicana, Guatemala, Colombia, Uruguay y Perú.
Tal como los artistas, su arte es también multifacético—compuesto de capas de temas, materiales, y significados. En las intersecciones de estas capas hay pruebas de las experiencias vividas. Los artistas también consideran la inmigración y asuntos LGBTQIA+, además de abordar la dinámica familiar, las relaciones ancestrales, la sanación, los lugares y más. Mientras algunas de estas capas revelan, otras a propósito ocultan y protegen.
El poder relatar auténticamente la propia historia de uno es importante. Puede fomentar lazos, promover entendimiento, preservar la historia y señalar resiliencia. Para esta exhibición, los artistas escribieron sus propias etiquetas que acompañan su arte y las grabaciones de audio de sus entrevistas. Usando la aplicación Smartify, escanee una obra de arte para escuchar más de cada artista.
Featured artists
A Layered Presence / Una presencia estradificada is the third exhibition in the Nelson-Atkins initiative KC Art Now, which celebrates the talent of local artists.
Organized by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Generous support provided by Paul DeBruce and Linda Woodsmall-DeBruce, Evelyn Craft Belger and Richard Belger, Sara and Bill Morgan, and the Jacques & Natasha Gelman Foundation.
Organizado por El Museo de Arte Nelson-Atkins. Apoyo generosamente proporcionado por Paul DeBruce y Linda Woodsmall-DeBruce, Evelyn Craft Belger y Richard Belger, Sara y Bill Morgan, y la Fundación Jacques & Natasha Gelman.
Image credits:
Juan G. Moya, C/S K.C.—Con safos Kansas City, 2023. Colored pencil on wood panel, 36 inches diameter. Courtesy of the artist.
Isaac Tapia, Past and Present / Pasado y presente, 2023. Oil on canvas with audio, 72 1/2 x 47 7/8. Courtesy of the artist.
Maria Vasquez Boyd, Cicatrización (Healing), 2023. Sumi ink on paper, acrylic on wood, paper, copper leaf, metal, paper, glass, ceramic, paper mâché, leather, sage, feathers, bird nest, Holy Dirt, pumpkin, amethyst, quartz, malachite, pyrite, peridot, Uncrossing Powder, linen, shoe polish, candles, Palo Santo, sticks, porcupine quill, beads, felt, sequins, miniature lights, ribbon, postage stamps, raffia, hair, and Vicks VapoRub, dimensions variable. Courtesy of the artist.
Chico Salvador Sierra, Mama Gave Me Soul, 2023. Acrylic on canvas, 71 7/8 x 32 ¼ inches. Courtesy of the artist.
Socorro Rico, In Mirror of Self / En espejo de uno mismo, 2023. Acrylic on wood panel with laser-cut detail, 36 x 24 inches. Courtesy of the artist.
Adolfo Gustavo Martinez, La Adelita, 2023. Acrylic on Masonite, 71 x 48 inches. Courtesy of the artist.
Programs
Artists Unplugged
Meet the artists featured in the exhibition A Layered Presence / Una presencia estratificada and get to know the stories and creative processes behind their works on view. Each hour of this all-day program features two or three of the 22 artists in casual conversation about their work. No need to register, just drop in and enjoy. For updated schedule check back here. A Layered Presence / Una presencia estratificada hightlights recent work by 22 local artists with cultural ties to Latin America.
- Saturday, July 13 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday, July 21 | 4:30–7:30 p.m.
- Gallery L8
- Free