Artx Brings Socially Conscious Exhibits to Yue Space, Sep 9

Kyle Mullin | Sep 8, 2017 5:30 pm | Add a comment | 1028 reads

In trying political times like these, art can often offer solace, reflection, and motivation to push for the change we're longing for. At least that's the sentiment behind Artx: Art + X'Perience, a September 9 exhibit at Yue Space, made up of works from a variety of mediums that explore exploited and marginalized voices and communities.

A statement from the organizers explains: "Artx aims to evolve your perspective of humanity on an emo-fueled ride through film, paint, sculpture, photography, motion and sound, all in the name of fear and some of its most illegitimately branded byproducts, the 'isms' i.e. rac(ISM), sex(ISM), narciss(ISM)."

Creative director and contributing artist for the event James Sserwadda says of Artx: "We are putting together a fusion experience of art, dance, drumming (as pictured in the lead image above), and live painting that symbolize fear ... to synchronize the piece."

When asked for further details about how the displayed works will achieve those lofty aims, he says most of the details should be left as a surprise in order to be more effective for attendees. He did, however, cite a pair of masks crafted for the occasion as one example of how Artx's works confront sexism and other "isms."

Another artist involved in the event is Karl White, who will screen a different sort of "ism": materialism.

"Coming from LA, I lived a life where capitalism and materialism are so deeply ingrained – the idea that buying something can make you happy and give you fulfillment," he says. "Now I'm seeing that starting in China in a lot of ways. I've only been here for a year. But it feels like the future can be similar to what I experienced in LA. But people still have a chance to choose their own future, and it's good to be aware of how materialistic society can influence you, and can make you afraid to confront your own insecurities."

Then there's Nickolai Sanders, a digital artist at the event who also has a background in music and education. He says: "My work for the show will focus on racism, not only in America but how people of color are viewed in other countries as well." He adds that his piece will shed light on the stereotypes and the effects of such discrimination. "The four main pieces will depict violence, drug abuse, aggressiveness and being uneducated, but not as glorification. Instead, it'll ask why all this happens."

He was inspired to tackle those themes in his work shortly after he arrived in China. "When I moved here from the States, people had this reaction to me, based on what they saw on the news and in movies. Because of that, I'm viewed basically as a threat or uneducated, or I am just plain feared. So I guess this project is meant to shed light on those stereotypes and disprove them."

Regardless of your background, it sounds like the range of works at Artx will be eclectic enough to speak to your experience and move your heart and spirit in a range of unexpected ways. Or, as Sserwadda puts it: "Visuals move people emotionally, and it's one way we can teach people about different backgrounds without discrimination."

"I agree," says Sanders, adding: "I am sure the audience is well aware of the topics we will cover during the show. I think our work will not only be an illustration of experiences the artists have faced, but will also bring to light some of the issues that people of color, women, men, and so on deal with on a daily basis. Hopefully, people will find some relation, and others will realize these reoccurring issues through our work."