After a summer-long closure and with a new executive director Jessica Bell Brown at the helm, the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at Virginia Commonwealth University is set to reopen its doors this Friday, September 6th, from 6 to 9 p.m. The reopening marks the premiere of three new exhibitions that delve deeply into the private spaces occupied by women, all through the lens of accomplished women artists.
Dear Mazie: A Tribute to a Trailblazing Architect
The centerpiece of the ICA’s fall lineup is “Dear Mazie,” an ambitious group exhibition that honors the life and legacy of Amaza Lee Meredith, a pioneering Black architect, educator, and artist. Meredith, who overcame both racial and gender barriers to make her mark in the early 20th century, is celebrated in this exhibition through the works of 11 contemporary artists.
Curated by Amber Esseiva, “Dear Mazie” invites visitors to explore Meredith’s multifaceted legacy through never-before-seen artworks that engage with her extensive archive. The exhibition is not just a historical recount; it’s a vibrant, speculative exploration of Meredith’s influence, with works that range from a 16mm film meditation on her Sag Harbor community to a sculptural reimagining of her intimate living spaces.
Caitlin Cherry: Eigengrau
In “Eigengrau,” artist Caitlin Cherry combines painting, sculpture, and installation to create a bold exploration of Black femininity. The centerpiece of the exhibition is a render farm installation that challenges visitors to consider the intersections of technology and contemporary female identity.
Loie Hollowell: Space Between, A Survey of Ten Years
Rounding out the fall exhibitions is “Space Between,” the first museum survey of artist Loie Hollowell’s work. This exhibition spans a decade of Hollowell’s career and delves into themes of feminism, sexual freedom, and motherhood. Featuring paintings, pastel drawings, and works on paper, “Space Between” offers a deeply personal look at the experiences that shape women’s lives.
Opening Event: A Night of Art, Food, and Community
The ICA’s reopening event is free to the public, but registration is required. Guests will have the opportunity to be among the first to explore these groundbreaking exhibitions while enjoying food from local food trucks and refreshments from a cash bar.
All three exhibitions will remain on view at the ICA until March 9, 2024. For more information and to register for the opening event, visit the ICA’s website HERE
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