April 08, 2021

SPRING EXHIBITIONS AT SPACES EXPLORE REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES, SOCIAL RELATIONS

(Cleveland, OH)-- SPACES reopens with new works by two artist-in-residence; Mildred Beltré Martinez (Brooklyn, NY) and Martha Poggioli (Brisbane, AU). Alongside these works, SPACES will present an exhibition of works produced by Columbia College Chicago Alumni curated by Megan Young, deputy director at SPACES.

Reciprocity: Back Back Forth and Forth continues a body of work by artist-in-residence Mildred Beltré Martinez that investigates ideas of invisibility and visibility, words and bodies. Through the works, she explores the cultural, social, and political implications of legibility. Working in colorful, pixelated patterns the bulk of this work was created during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown that began in March 2020. This work was made in the midst of grief, uncertainty, rage and joy; where it could be found. The work evokes questions and longing, ranging from pessimistic and visually exuberant. Using an array of materials (hair, yarn, paper) art making approaches (drawings, cross stitch, installation, textiles) her art reflects on relationships between individuals, society, and our environment.

The Origin of Form is part of an ongoing investigation into the histories of reproductive technology produced by SPACES artist-in-residence Martha Poggioli. Through a hybrid practice that incorporates archival research, material development, and fabrication experimentation, the exhibition will include works initiated during her time at the Arts/Industry Residency in Foundry at Kohler during 2020 alongside research in the form of sculpture and installation. While in Cleveland, Poggioli is working in partnership with the Dittrick Medical History Center and Sears think[box] at Case Western Reserve University and supported, in part, by a Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant. The culminating project invites audiences to enter into this rich, nuanced, and hidden world to discover these prosthetics of interiority.

Coming Suddenly, Passing Strangely is a SPACES partnership with Columbia College Chicago (CCC) which will present an online and in-person showcase of Time-Based Art curated by Megan Young (MFA Interdisciplinary Arts & Media, Columbia College Chicago ‘14). The group exhibition features a range of works navigating transition and change. Artists share their experiences breaking new ground, forging new paths, and honoring what has passed.

The galleries will be open to SPACES Season Pass Members on April 13th, members of the press on April 15th, and will be open to the general public on April 16th. SPACES is located at 2900 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH. Gallery Hours are 12PM-5PM Wednesday-Saturday, with limited capacity. Guests are required to wear masks and maintain social distance from staff and others as much as possible. For more information, visit www.SPACEScle.org, call 216.621.2314, or email contact@SPACEScle.org.