Curation

My Grandmother is an Altar is a visual prayer stitched from the threads of memory, matriarchal wisdom, and diasporic longing. Through photography, film, and altar work, Southeast Asian-American artists Tarik Bartel, Kannetha Brown, and Anhkim Dang offer reverence, devotion, and witnessing of their Thai, Cambodian, and Vietnamese grandmothers—women who carried the weight of war, displacement, and survival with fortitude. Transforming grief into sanctuary, and memory into monument, the artists honor lullabies sung across oceans, the warmth of kitchens built from exile, and elders, named and unnamed, whose love and labor became the architecture of future generations. These stories do not fade—they burn, they bloom, they build anew and remind us to resist the ongoing devastation of empire and colonialism.

Artists who teach shape more than just their own creative practice—they shape the very future of the medium itself. Through their mentorship, they cultivate not only technical skill but also curiosity, resilience, and vision. PHOTO / FACULTY brings together the work of fifty-three photography faculty members from fourteen institutions in Boston and beyond, highlighting the often-overlooked duality of educators as both working artists and mentors. While dedicated to guiding students in refining their voices and building their careers, these faculty members also sustain rigorous creative practices of their own.

As a graduate student in the Photography Department at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, I experienced firsthand the profound impact of faculty mentorship. My professors not only challenged and expanded my artistic practice but created an environment where I could thrive. Their guidance helped me refine my ideas with both criticality and confidence, explore new processes, and develop a clearer artistic vision. My time at MassArt reinforced my deep appreciation for educators who balance their own creative inquiry with the responsibility of fostering emerging artists.

This exhibition offers a glimpse into the creative lives of those who shape and sustain photographic discourse. From conceptual explorations to documentary storytelling, experimental techniques to traditional processes, PHOTO / FACULTY celebrates the immense breadth of contemporary photographic practice. Faculty artists live in a space of constant duality—creating, teaching, guiding, and learning all at once. Their influence extends far beyond the classroom, shaping not only individual artists but the broader photographic community.

To teach is to preserve the past while building the future. Photography is an evolving language, and those who dedicate themselves to teaching ensure its continued relevance, depth, and innovation. Their impact is not always immediately visible, but it lives in the images their students create, in the ideas they ignite, and in the conversations that extend beyond the walls of academia.

PHOTO / FACULTY acknowledges these educators as both creators and cultural contributors, recognizing their profound impact on students and the field at large. As the PRC continues its mission to support and celebrate photographic artists, this exhibition underscores the vital connection between education and artistic production—a relationship that sustains the medium itself.

Tend spans a diverse array of mediums—from photography and painting to sculpture and mixed media—each piece reflecting the multifaceted nature of familial relationships. These artists explore themes of motherhood, ancestry, domesticity, and the intricate connections that bind us. Through their work, we witness intimate moments of care, the weight of generational legacies, and the unspoken bonds that endure beyond time and space.

This curated collection honors the diverse experiences and expressions of family, offering a space where the personal becomes universal, and where the act of creating art becomes a powerful vehicle for exploring the essence of human connection. Tend examines the intricate dynamics of family ties and caregiving, highlighting how these relationships shape and redefine our understanding of family.

MATRESCENCE
June 1 - July 14, 2024
MassArt x SoWa Gallery

Matrescence delves into the profound physical, psychological, and emotional changes experienced during pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and beyond. Featuring fifteen exceptional artists, the exhibition explores themes such as identity, postnatal medical care, miscarriage, caretaking, familial relationships, the decolonization of motherhood, and the navigation of the challenges and joys associated with parenting.

The artists challenge societal norms surrounding artistry and motherhood through works in various mediums, including photography, video, painting, fiber arts, embroidery, sculpture, and installation. Hailing from the Greater Boston area, New York, and the West Coast, these artists showcase a diverse range of perspectives and experiences within the realm of motherhood and artistry.

Matrescence stands as a poignant testament to the resilience and creativity of artist mothers, challenging entrenched stereotypes and celebrating the profound complexities of motherhood. The exhibition invites contemplation, empathy, and collective understanding, offering a space for viewers to reflect on their own experiences or gain insight into this universal journey. Additionally, it highlights the historical challenges faced by artist mothers, who were often excluded from the art world after becoming mothers. This historical context underscores the enduring need for acceptance and recognition of mothers’ artistic contributions, reclaiming their rightful place in both historical and contemporary art spheres and in society at large.

FEATURED ARTISTS