I Hear Voices at the Phoenix Art Museum
Growing up in Los Angeles, you may likely gain this sort of ego and pride whether you like it or not. Often having access and exposure to what people claim is the “best” makes you compare everything to it, and admittedly because of this I wasn’t expecting the Phoenix Art Museum to create such a positive impact on me. But my friends, it did. Thoroughly impressed by the collections, I had to highlight the most memorable pieces I came across, what voices am I hearing, and why you shouldn’t pass this place up.
“You Who are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies” Installation by Yayoi Kusama
Taking Up Space & Being Seen
What was notable about the whole experience is that it didn’t feel like a predominantly white space. Navigating through various collections, I noticed that most of the artwork displayed were discussing POC and their stories and experiences. As an individual that frequents museums, this is unique because museums as a whole give off the vibe that white artists have the biggest say in the art world even though we all know that shouldn’t be the case. We’re so used to it that we don’t even realize it until you end up in a space like the Phoenix Art Museum.
As a minority, when you notice that each placard has the Spanish translation, objects used in installations are relatable, people portrayed in paintings look like you and other black and brown faces, anything but white, you feel more comfortable, almost at home. That is when you notice the subtle shift of the voices being projected. I honestly didn’t realize it at first, but because of the fact that I felt almost recognized in the artwork and that many things felt familiar or relatable, I asked myself why it felt so different to be there and I believe it is simply because I connected to much of the artwork in a personal manner.
“Joaquina et Sa Mere au Sermon du Pere Pons. Rota: Marianes” by Paul Jacoulet
Amplifying POC Voices
I have never been so thrilled to be overwhelmed from trying to decide which POC artist to discuss first. This reconfirms my thoughts on how the Phoenix Art Museum is highlighting minorities within the art space. Speaking on the main exhibitions that made a lasting impact on me, Juan Francisco Elso: Por América, Sama Alshaibi, Princely States of the Punjab: Sihk Art and History, Yayoi Kusma’s Fireflies Infinity Room, and the various Cuban art collections, discuss a number of topics revolving around culture, history, and personal philosophies and conceptual thinking. As with any piece, thorough investigation and patience is needed to digest each artwork’s conversation and significance, but when you finally get to a place where you understand its subject and context, any artwork or installation will gain a justified reaction.
“El Rostro de Dios” by Juan Francisco Elso
“Generation After Generation” by Sama Alshaibi
1625 North Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
