Northwest Mystics 2019: Women of the PNW presents over 20 women artists for a representation of power found in the feminine mystique and, ultimately, communicates an inspired message that will leave viewers uplifted, hopeful, and with a little joy in their heart.
From December 5 through 21, Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA) presents, “Northwest Mystics 2019: Women of the PNW.” CoCA will wrap up their 2019 year of amplifying the voices of women and femme-identified artists with an exhibition, not only of women, but also works from select CoCA members. A 2019 Mayor’s Arts Award recipient, CoCA has been an artistic staple in Seattle since 1981 and continues to challenge the status quo while exploring cultural assumptions and highlighting the essential role of art in a global conversation.
“Northwest Mystics 2019: Women of the PNW” will include a wide variety of artists from different backgrounds to include a musical performance, sculpture, painting, and video, as well as lighted animatronic motion-sensitive “flowers” by Sena Clara Creston that engage directly with visitors. Additional artists in the show include Amina Maya, Anya Gudimova, Aramis Hamer, Babs Fulton, Cathy Sarkowsky, Christy Bailey, Eliaichi Kimaro, Jenny Jun Smith, Jocelyn Beausire, Kree Arvanitas, KT Hancock, Michelle Friars, Minhi Wimplempeck, Ouija Boob, Polly Purvis, Sandi Bransford, Sonya Stockton, Shima Star, ST Rivera, Vian Nguyen, and Victoria Raymond.
This show is inspired in part by the life and work of gallery owner and catalyst for the Northwest School, Zoë Dusanne as she celebrated the ingenuity and unflappable spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Her life, work and dedication to creating and holding space for contemporary art is one that CoCA deeply identifies with. Dusanne was also a trailblazer of her time as the first African-American woman to open her own gallery, a working single mother and, along with her parents, a founding member of the Seattle chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In 1947, Dusanne built a home in Seattle specifically designed to double as an art space, which she opened to the public in November 1950. Dusanne’s persistence and dedication to presenting artists, who would later be known as the “mystical” painters from Northwest School, resulted in a feature in Life magazine in 1953 and propelled the Northwest School to national prominence. Unfortunately in 1958, her home and gallery were demolished in order to accommodate the construction of I-5—something Seattleites can still relate to today.
CoCA’s nod to the Northwest School’s history is visible in landscapes such as one with a twist by Jenny Jun Smith or nature-inspired abstracts with a dark misty palette by Cathy Sarkowsky. In contrast to the Northwest School artists, this show displays a visceral sensuality and playfulness of the feminine mystique. Some works speak directly to the current social climate, such as ST Rivera’s ink on paper piece titled “Machismo;” Vian Nguyen’s oil painting, “Torn;” and Victoria Raymond’s 3D mixed media collage, “Grit.” “Northwest Mystics 2019: Women of the PNW” is a visual representation of the beautiful struggle of the feminine and, ultimately, communicates an inspired message that will leave viewers uplifted, hopeful, and with a little joy in their heart.
Exhibition Runs December 5 – 21, 2019.
Opening Reception, on December 5, 2019, 6-9pm, part of Pioneer Square Art Walk and includes a musical performance by Ouija Boob at 7:30pm.
All events at CoCA in Pioneer Square: 114 Third Avenue South, Seattle, 98104
More info: cocaseattle.org/exhibitions/northwest-mystics-2019
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