Exhibits to see this week: Angio, William, Tarver, and Narvaez

A Chaser on a few artists of color currently on show in Vermont

The end of the year draws nigh, which is high time for lookbacks, predictions, shortlists and gift guides. None of that seemed fun or within my realm of expertise. Instead, I offer you a viewing guide to artists of color currently on show in Vermont. If you have some time during this interlude before the new year, make a day trip to go see them. Bring a friend, grab lunch, and support the local shops while you’re at it.

I am highlighting artists of color because I think in a majority white state like Vermont, non-white perspectives may be hard to come by if you’re not looking for them. In art and these works in particular, we can have a way of seeing and experiencing the world through a different lens. Anyways, it’s one way of broadening the horizons. Thanks to the curators for bringing these works to us.

These are listed in order of exhibit windows to help you prioritize. Let me know if you’d like more of this kind of information for future newsletters.

Alejandro Angio: Chinese brush paintings

Center for Arts and Learning, Montpelier through mid-January

Angio is an Argentinian artist who has a long history in metalwork and illustration. For some time, he’s been studying Chinese brush painting, these are some works from his collection.

Brush paintings are a masterful illusion, using simple lines and playing off negative and positive fields to create movement and story. Depictions of fish, birds, mountain landscapes and more show off Angio’s technical skill.

I encountered his work when it was on display at Espresso Bueno in Barre and immediately contacted the curator to find out more about him. We got a very good reception to his opening during Montpelier Art Walk earlier this month.

Mwanga William: paintings of African life

Three Penny Taproom, Montpelier through January

I always like encountering art while I’m out doing everyday things. I had a lunch meeting and while waiting took a browse through the current show at Three Penny Taproom. I shouldn’t have been surprised, since they regularly participate in Art Walk. But it’s not usually where I got when I’m looking for something to look at.

Working in oils and acrylics, William offers a variety of scenes from African life. Hailing from Uganda, he blends abstract and realistic elements to create textured pieces that are alive with movement and color. There’s wildlife, farming, dancing, fishing, and more.

Adrienne Elise Tarver: Roots, Air, Water, a multimedia installation

Brattleboro Museum and Arts Center, Brattleboro through March 8

I have yet to experience this installation but am drawn by the prospect of being surrounded by lush greenery in the depth of a Vermont winter. BMAC and their guest curators bring a lot of interesting work to their corner of Vermont, which I appreciate.

Tarver is a Brooklyn-based interdisciplinary artist, and this site-specific exhibition is an inquiry into the interconnectedness of root systems, and the natural wisdom that surrounds and upholds our built environment. Her work often addresses the complexity and invisibility of Black female identity in histories and domestic spaces.

She’s on a quest for understanding, and seeking the seen and unseen systems that create refuge and resilience. Can’t wait to make my way down there.

Persi Narvaez: paintings and sculpture

Chaffee Art Center, Rutland on show indefinitely

Earlier this month, I traveled down to the Chaffee to submit my gingerbread house into their annual competition and took the time to wander through the mansion and gander about.

Several pieces caught my eye, including this set from Peruvian artist Narvaez tucked away in an upstairs room. He draws from his cultural motifs, urban landscapes, and the geometry and patterns that surround us and paints with a most vibrant palette.

Locals may already be familiar with his work—he created a couple of the murals in downtown Rutland. It was my first time seeing his work. The Chaffee website doesn’t list an exhibit window.