“Making Space,” the current exhibit at De Anza College’s Euphrat museum, explores physical, cultural and historic space through art.
A reception on Wednesday, Nov. 13, included De Anza students and artists featured in the exhibit.
Students associated with De Anza’s Puente program presented a dance performance.
The event was organized by De Anza’s Art and Schools director Diana Argabrite, who directs the exhibits and the community outreach programs that help support the museum.
Argabrite said she got the idea for the exhibit after an equity committee meeting talking about how De Anza uses space.
Artists whose work is featured in the exhibit include Titus Kaphar, Elizabeth Catlett, Lee Crowley, Art Hazelwood and Cristina Velazquez.
Kaphar’s piece included a painting cut, the cut-out in a trash bin beside the painting, and a video of his demonstration.
Now deceased artist Elizabeth Catlett associated her art with the black community rights along with other human rights issues.
“Elizabeth was a great artist who tried to involve as many minorities as possible in her art to convey messages,” said Catlett’s representative Lee Stone.
De Anza faculty Juliana Kang-Robinson’s art emphasizes complications between the North and South Korean border.
“Students who want to become successful artists need to comprehend that the profession is tied with failed projects and so forth,” said Kang-Robinson, “but it is equally important to not give up and pursue your goals.”
Featured artist Christina Velazquez faced judgment from others who do not believe that the art profession was valuable.
“Ever since I was young, people kept telling me that I wouldn’t be able to support myself and earn money, but I just stayed strong and now I’m fortunate doing what I love,” Velazquez said.
Argabrite said art is an establishment where creative people meet to produce dialogues. The reception embodied the dialogue.
The exhibit runs through Dec.5.
