(BE)LONGING: ASIAN DIASPORIC CROSSINGS FEATURES SEVEN ASIAN ARTISTS

(BE)LONGING: ASIAN DIASPORIC CROSSINGS FEATURES SEVEN ASIAN ARTISTS

Kyong Boon Oh, 6.25 – Mapping, Archival pigment print on canvas, pin, thread stainless steel/copper/aluminum wire, 2024.

Glendale Library, Arts & Culture and ReflectSpace Gallery are thrilled to present (Be)Longing: Asian Diasporic Crossings, a compelling exhibition that explores the multi-generational afterlives of war and displacement, alongside the creation of East-West Asian diasporic spaces. This thought-provoking exhibition will be on display from July 20 through September 22, 2024, at ReflectSpace Gallery within the Glendale Central Library.

(Be)Longing features the works of seven talented artists from Los Angeles, Korea, and China, delving into themes of belonging, community, and identity through a variety of mediums including maps, sculptures, photography, archives, video, and layered materials. The exhibition aims to provoke reflection on questions such as: Can you draw the borders of belonging? How do you make a map of a transnational and borderless community? How much do histories of displacement and war enter the contemporary narrative of a community? What is the relationship of a diasporic community to its indigenous lands and history?

At the heart of this exhibition are the contributions of Los Angeles-based artists Annette Miae Kim and Kyong Boon Oh. Their work, deeply personal and poignant, draws on their familial histories in both South Korea and North Korea, challenging our preconceptions about diasporas and borders through maps, archives, sculptures, and tactile materiality.

Annette Miae Kim, Conversations with My Father, 2024.

Complementing their work are the creations of four artists from Korea and China—Sun Siran, Xia Yan, Gil Woong Kim, and Donah Lee—who explore their diasporic journeys and connections to their homelands through newly commissioned video pieces. Additionally, Los Angeles-based contemporary ceramicist Jennifer Cheh reflects on her diasporic identity by engaging with traditional Korean forms in her work.

Curated by Monica Hye Yeon Jun and Ara & Anahid Oshagan(Be)Longing: Asian Diasporic Crossings offers a profound exploration of the diasporic experience, as each artist grapples with their unique histories and present realities to articulate their senses of being and belonging.

Opening Reception:
Join us for the opening reception on Saturday, July 27, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at ReflectSpace Gallery. This event is an excellent opportunity to meet the artists, experience their powerful works firsthand, and engage in meaningful discussions about the themes presented.

Exhibition Details:

  • Dates: July 20 – September 22, 2024
  • Location: ReflectSpace Gallery, Glendale Central Library, 222 East Harvard, Glendale, CA, 91205
  • Opening Reception: Saturday, July 27, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

For more information about the exhibition and related events, please visit our website. Don’t miss this chance to explore the rich and complex narratives of the Asian diasporic community through the eyes of these remarkable artists.

A Stellar Fusion: Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Trust Celebrates “Blended Worlds” Exhibition

A Stellar Fusion: Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Trust Celebrates “Blended Worlds” Exhibition

As we stand on the brink of a new era where art transcends boundaries and science breaks new ground, the Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Trust (GLACT) is thrilled to support an event that embodies this pioneering spirit: the “Blended Worlds: Experiments in Interplanetary Imagination” exhibition.

This extraordinary showcase, a collaboration between the City of Glendale’s Library, Arts & Culture Department and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is part of the Getty’s PST ART: Art & Science Collide. It’s a regional art event that promises to take us on a journey through the past, present, and future of the entwined realms of art and science.

Why “Blended Worlds”? “Blended Worlds” is more than an exhibition; it’s a conversation between disciplines, a dialogue between worlds. It’s where the ethereal beauty of art and the rigorous logic of science meet to explore our relationships with the cosmos. The GLACT, through a grant from the Getty, is proud to support this initiative.

The Visionaries Behind the Art The exhibition features a constellation of artists and scientists, including the iconic Larry Bell and the innovative Moon Ribas, who have come together to create a tapestry of experiences that challenge our perceptions and inspire wonder. Their works, alongside those of nine other artists, invite us to contemplate our place in the universe and the interconnectedness of all things.

Highlights to Anticipate

  • Larry Bell’s “Time Machine”: A reflective journey that plays with our sense of self and the other.
  • Moon Ribas’s “Seismic Percussion”: A performance that harmonizes the seismic whispers of Earth and Mars.
  • David Bowen’s “Tele-present Wind”: An installation that brings the Martian atmosphere to Earth, stirring the air we share with the distant red planet.

Engage with “Blended Worlds” The exhibition is just the beginning. A series of public programs and community events will unfold, offering everyone a chance to engage with the themes of “Blended Worlds.” From an evening of art, theater, and science to an original musical and a family-friendly festival, there’s something for everyone to connect with and explore.

Join Us in Support The Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Trust invites you to be part of this interstellar experience. Your support helps us continue to bring such transformative events to life. Visit the Brand Library & Art Center from September 21, 2024, to January 4, 2025, and let “Blended Worlds” take you on a journey of discovery and imagination.

For more information on how you can support and participate in this event, visit our website. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of blended worlds.

“Before, After: Reflections on the Armenian Genocide” – A Testament to Resilience at ReflectSpace Gallery

“Before, After: Reflections on the Armenian Genocide” – A Testament to Resilience at ReflectSpace Gallery

The ReflectSpace Gallery, in collaboration with Glendale Library, Arts & Culture, is proud to announce the upcoming exhibition “Before, After: Reflections on the Armenian Genocide.” This poignant display weaves a narrative of Armenian endurance, linking the indelible marks of history with the threads of loss and survival.

The exhibition is a profound exploration of the Armenian spirit, from the depths of genocide to the widespread diaspora and the quest for belonging. “Before, After” presents a tapestry of experiences through artifacts, abstract art, and recreated witness accounts, encapsulating the cyclical nature of sorrow and the journey towards healing.

Featuring the works of nine distinguished artists—John Avakian, Anush Babajanyan, Silvina Der-Meguerditchian, Diana Markosian, Jacqueline Kazarian, Talin Megherian, Marsha Nouritza Odabashian, Jessica Sperandio, and Scout Tufankjian—the exhibition offers a diverse perspective on the Armenian experience.

Mark your calendars for this immersive experience, available from April 20 to July 7, 2024, at the ReflectSpace Gallery within the Glendale Central Library. The opening reception is set for Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Guests can enjoy three hours of complimentary parking with validation at the Market Place Parking Structure, located at 120 Artsakh Ave, Glendale, CA.

Curated by Ryann Casey, an esteemed exhibitions coordinator and art professor at Stockton University, “Before, After” promises to be an exhibition that not only reflects on the past but also inspires a dialogue about cultural identity and collective memory. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with a pivotal moment in history through the lens of contemporary art.

To learn more about ReflectSpace, a program funded by Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Trust, please visit our program page.

Shepard Fairey’s “Peace is Radical” Exhibition: A Bold Statement at ReflectSpace Gallery

Shepard Fairey’s “Peace is Radical” Exhibition: A Bold Statement at ReflectSpace Gallery

Glendale Library, Arts & Culture, with support of the Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Trust, proudly unveils “Peace is Radical”, a thought-provoking solo exhibition by the acclaimed street artist and activist Shepard Fairey. This showcase, held at the ReflectSpace Gallery, delves into themes of democracy, equality, environmental justice, and the pursuit of peace.

Fairey’s artistry comes alive through screen printing, a medium he champions for its accessibility and democratic nature. “Peace is Radical” not only features his iconic prints but also reveals the very screens that brought them to life, offering a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into his creative process.

In a world rife with discord, Fairey’s exhibition stands as a testament to the power of art in advocating for harmony. “Peace is not passive; it’s an active, vigilant pursuit,” Fairey asserts. His works serve as a rallying cry for justice, equality, and a united humanity, transcending boundaries of race, religion, and culture.

The exhibition’s mission resonates deeply with today’s challenges, urging viewers to find common ground and work towards a healthier, more peaceful world. In line with this vision, Fairey has also designed a limited-edition library card, available at all Glendale Library branches, symbolizing the intersection of art, community, and social change.

Join us from January 20 to April 14 to experience “Peace is Radical” at ReflectSpace Gallery, located within the Glendale Central Library at 222 E. Harvard Street. Don’t miss the opening reception on January 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., curated by Ara and Anahid Oshagan. Complimentary parking is provided at the Marketplace parking structure across from the library’s Harvard entrance.

This exhibition is a clarion call for unity and action, reflecting the core values of ReflectSpace and the community it serves. It’s a reminder that in the quest for peace, every voice matters, and every action counts. Join us in embracing this radical idea and be part of the movement towards a just and harmonious society.

To learn more about ReflectSpace, a program funded by Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Trust, please visit our program page.

“He Threw the Last Punch Too Hard”: An Exhibition of Resilience at ReflectSpace Gallery

“He Threw the Last Punch Too Hard”: An Exhibition of Resilience at ReflectSpace Gallery

ReflectSpace Gallery is poised to present “He Threw the Last Punch Too Hard”, an evocative exhibition by photographer Hannah Kozak. This compelling showcase, opening soon, will chronicle the life of Kozak’s mother, Rachel, and her profound journey through domestic violence. Kozak’s photographs offer a narrative of courage, healing, and the transformative power of forgiveness.

The exhibition is lauded for its raw and honest portrayal of domestic abuse and its intergenerational impact. Alongside Kozak’s work, The Clothesline Project by YWCA of Glendale and Pasadena will be displayed, providing a stark visual commentary on violence statistics that demand attention.

About Hannah Kozak: Hannah Kozak, a Los Angeles-born photographer, uses her lens as a means of personal discovery and catharsis. Her autobiographical work, deeply influenced by her father’s survival of the Holocaust, captures the authenticity and emotional depth of her subjects. Kozak’s photography is a powerful reminder of the healing potential inherent in the art form.

The exhibition promises to be a moving experience, inviting visitors to ReflectSpace Gallery to engage with these powerful stories of endurance and the indomitable human spirit. The gallery awaits its audience for an opening that is sure to resonate with many, extending an invitation to reflect, empathize, and learn. The exhibit is set to open on September 30, 2023, and will run until January 7, 2024. Complimentary parking is available at the Marketplace parking structure, conveniently located across from the library’s Harvard entrance.

To learn more about ReflectSpace, a program funded by Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Trust, please visit our program page.

“Women and War: A Contemporary Art Perspective” – Honoring History and Activism at ReflectSpace Gallery

“Women and War: A Contemporary Art Perspective” – Honoring History and Activism at ReflectSpace Gallery

Join us at ReflectSpace Gallery for the opening of “Women and War: A Contemporary Art Perspective”, an exhibition that honors the 10th anniversary of the Korean Peace Monument in Glendale. This thought-provoking showcase, opening on July 29, brings to light the narratives of the ‘comfort women’ through the artistic expressions of three Korean artists, each addressing different temporal aspects of this critical issue.

Kim Chang Kyum revisits the past with his media art installation, capturing the essence of women’s experiences during the Japanese Colonial Period. His work, featuring the image of a woman amidst swaying waves, symbolizes the tumultuous lives of these women and serves as a powerful testament to their resilience.

Choi Chongwoon offers a present-day perspective, crafting a chair from materials imbued with history—water from the DMZ and soil from the graves of ‘comfort women.’ His augmented reality piece is a tribute to the Statue of Peace, creating an interactive experience that challenges historical denial and affirms the indelibility of memory.

Zu Do Yang contemplates the future with his collage photographic works, posing poignant questions about our progress on gender issues. His portraits, crafted using a centuries-old method, reflect the cyclical nature of human experiences, akin to Buddhism’s concept of samsara.

The exhibition also features Dutch photographer Jan Banning’s portraits of Indonesian ‘comfort women’ in the PassageWay Gallery, alongside works by Korean-American student artists, curated by Phyllis Kim of C.A.R.E. These diverse pieces expand upon the themes of ‘comfort women’ and their enduring legacies.

Curated by Monica Hye Yeon Jun, “Women and War” is not just an exhibition; it’s a dialogue that bridges history with the present and questions the future. The exhibit runs from July 29 through September 24, 2023, with an opening reception from 6 pm to 8 pm on the inaugural day.

ReflectSpace Gallery, co-curated by Ara and Anahid Oshagan, invites you to engage with this powerful narrative. A free dual-language exhibition catalog is available, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

As we commemorate the Korean Peace Monument with a ceremony at 4 pm on July 29, let us reflect on the lessons of the past and the paths toward healing and understanding.

ReflectSpace Gallery 222 East Harvard, Glendale, CA Opening Reception: July 29, 6 pm – 8 pm Exhibition Dates: July 29 – September 24, 2023 Free Dual Language Catalog Available.