The Gund Gallery Opening

The Gund Gallery at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, unveiled its Spring Collection on Thursday, January 18, 2024, featuring a trio of compelling exhibitions that delve into themes of justice, personal transformation, and the human condition. This opening, documented by photographer James D. DeCamp, offered attendees an immersive experience into diverse artistic narratives.

“No Justice Without Love”
Adapted from its original 2023 presentation at The Ford Foundation, this group exhibition brings together artists, activists, and allied donors associated with the Art for Justice Fund (A4J). The showcase features a diverse array of visual elements, each encouraging a critical examination of mass incarceration and the justice system. While specific artists in this iteration are not detailed, the collective works aim to provoke thought and inspire change regarding systemic inequalities. 

“Light at the End of the Tunnel”
This exhibition presents two recent works by New York-based artist Naeem Mohaiemen, conceived and created during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mohaiemen’s pieces explore themes of isolation, hope, and the passage of time, reflecting on the global crisis’s impact on individual and collective experiences. His interdisciplinary approach often combines film, installation, and text, inviting viewers to engage deeply with the material. 

“Selection of New Works in the Collection”
This exhibition introduces recent acquisitions to The Gund’s permanent collection, featuring artists such as Benny Andrews, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Ori Gersht, Fariba Hajamadi, Teresa Margolles, and Purvis Young. Each artist brings a unique perspective:

• Benny Andrews: Known for his expressive figurative paintings, Andrews often depicted the struggles and triumphs of African American life, blending realism with abstract elements to convey deep emotion and social commentary.
• LaToya Ruby Frazier: A photographer and visual artist, Frazier’s work addresses themes of industrial decline, environmental justice, and the interconnectedness of personal and communal history, often focusing on her hometown of Braddock, Pennsylvania.
• Ori Gersht: An Israeli artist, Gersht’s work explores the relationships between history, memory, and landscape, often using advanced technology to create images that are both beautiful and unsettling.
• Fariba Hajamadi: Hajamadi’s art often involves architectural elements, exploring themes of cultural identity and displacement, blending historical references with contemporary concerns.
• Teresa Margolles: A Mexican artist, Margolles addresses the social causes and consequences of death, particularly focusing on the victims of the drug war in Mexico, using materials that are often directly linked to the deceased.
• Purvis Young: A self-taught artist from Miami, Young’s work combines depictions of urban life, spirituality, and social injustice, creating vibrant compositions on found materials that reflect his community’s struggles and hopes.

This diverse collection offers visitors a rich tapestry of experiences, prompting reflection on various aspects of the human condition. 

The Gund Gallery’s Spring Collection exemplifies its commitment to presenting art that challenges perceptions and fosters dialogue. By showcasing a range of artists and mediums, the gallery invites the community to engage with pressing social issues through the transformative power of art.