“So It Appears” is on view at the Virginia Commonwealth University Museum of Contemporary Art (ICA at VCU) from February 24 through July 16, 2023. Occupying multiple spaces and galleries in the ICA at VCU building, this group exhibition brings together more than nineteen artists from around the world to explore the vast horizons of abstract art.
Within the Virginia Commonwealth University Museum of Contemporary Art building, “So It Appears” occupies several spaces, providing an unforgettable immersive experience. Visitors are transported into a world of abstract works from the past twenty years by talented artists from around the world. The imprecise and unidentifiable forms that first present themselves to the eye offer an intriguing first impression, but further exploration reveals subtle artistic strategies, exposing political, social and aesthetic themes.
“So It Appears” is the brainchild of two exceptional curators, Sarah Rifky, Senior Curator and Director of Programs at the ICA, and Yomna Osman, Associate Curator. The exhibition features narratives that address such important topics as slavery, injustice, war, incarceration, environmental racism, and the invisibility of migrants, among others. Each work tells a unique story rooted in a specific context, creating a powerful dialogue between visitors and the art.
The exhibition “So it appears” brings together renowned artists such as Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Monira Al Qadiri, Alexander Apóstol, Navine G. Dossos, Torkwase Dyson, Basmah Felemban, Žilvinas Kempinas, Agnieszka Kurant, Dinh Q. Lê, Jeewi Lee, John Menick, Novo (Reynier Leyva Novo), Trevor Paglen, Walid Raad, Tomás Saraceno, Pak Sheung Chuen and Levester Williams. In addition, to celebrate the ICA’s fiftieth anniversary, artists Tricky Walsh and Sharon Mashihi have been invited to create new works that will be exhibited during this exciting time.
Each artist brings their unique vision to the exhibition, creating a subtle contrast of color and form. Although the works come from different artists, locations and time periods, they have a striking affinity in their artistic approach. This exhibition of abstract art invites visitors to decode the message deeply embedded in each work and to explore the connections between the global crises represented.
“So it appears” is an invitation to reflection, introspection and awareness of our complex world.