Democracy Under Siege is a national juried exhibition exploring threats to democracy, as seen through the eyes of artists from around the country. Juried by Lorenzo Fusi, Chief Curator of the Currier Museum. As part of Hera Gallery’s year-long 50th anniversary celebration, each show title is inspired by an exhibition from the past 50 years. Democracy Under Siege is inspired by the 2003 exhibition, American Democracy Under Siege, curated by Claudia Flynn and Troy West.
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 12th, from 6-8pm.
Virtual Artist Talk, Thursday, October 24th at 7pm. Zoom Link Here
Juror Statement
Jurying Democracy Under Siege was challenging and stimulating. The large number of received submissions is a good indication of the present collective desire to address urgent political and complex social issues from a very personal standpoint. I would argue that this exhibition is an invitation to participate or a call for activism. The political scenario that is configuring around us in the US and globally, as this juried exhibition is being put together, clearly indicates that the title chosen for the call is not a hyperbole or a mere figure of speech. It is a true call for action that many of the artists who have submitted work took very seriously. Most works were personable and yet characterized by the will to have a wider impact on society. Among the political concerns that mostly preoccupies the participating artists there is the right to self-determination for women when it comes to reproduction and abortion. Many artworks spoke to this issue directly, proving that even when a civil right is finally achieved it then must be defended daily. Overall, from the selection also emerged a strong and diffused anti-Trumpian sentiment that oftentimes was expressed in paradoxical and caricatural ways. War, race-motivated violence, gender-based discrimination are among the other themes that emerged more often. Seconding the generalized renewed interest in figuration and representation, many of the submitted artworks illustrated anxieties and concerns. Although I generally prefer more symbolic and conceptual work, I could not but admire the way in which these artists have openly presented us with their fears, anger and hopes. In this honesty, I believe lies the true value of this exhibition.
