The illustrious Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is currently hosting a captivating retrospective exhibition that pays homage to the internationally acclaimed artist Virginia Jaramillo. The exhibition, titled “Principle of Equivalence,” serves as a powerful testament to Jaramillo’s enduring influence on the world of abstract art and her deep-rooted connection with the Kansas City art scene.
Although based in New York, Virginia Jaramillo’s artistic journey has intertwined with the fabric of Kansas City’s artistic legacy. Her relationship with the city dates back to the late 1970s when the revered Douglas Drake art gallery chose to showcase her burgeoning talent. Over the years, Jaramillo’s artwork graced the gallery in a series of impressive exhibitions, leaving an indelible mark on the local art community.
Jaramillo’s affiliation with the Kemper Museum is equally significant, with her work featured prominently in the museum’s debut exhibition in 1994. Now, the museum proudly presents her first major retrospective, featuring seventy-three meticulously curated paintings and handmade paper creations that span her remarkable seventy-year career.
“Principle of Equivalence” delves into the essence of Jaramillo’s artistic evolution, guiding viewers through a chronological exploration of her creative journey. Erin Dziedzic, the director of curatorial affairs at the Kemper Museum, affirms that the exhibition recognizes Jaramillo’s pivotal role in the history of abstraction. Dziedzic states, “While Jaramillo’s work demonstrates her unwavering commitment to abstraction, it also defies simple categorization.”
The exhibition’s narrative unfolds through various phases of Jaramillo’s artistry, from her early explorations in the Black Paintings series, which vividly evoke the cracked earth of her Southern California childhood, to her groundbreaking Curvilinear collection. The latter, known for its daring colors and dynamic lines, introduced a captivating energy that reverberated throughout her canvases and earned her well-deserved recognition in the art world of the 1970s.
Virginia Jaramillo’s artistic inquisitiveness is a driving force behind her creations. Her fascination with the interplay between earth and civilization, sparked in her youth, has led her to incorporate elements from mythology and astronomical theories into her artwork. Her Curvilinear series, characterized by its pulsating shapes and lines, seems to come alive on the canvas, pulling and repelling in a mesmerizing dance of energy.
Intriguingly, Jaramillo’s paper works, showcased within the exhibition, stand out with their idiosyncratic style. Resembling intricate maps and blueprints, these pieces allude to the realms of mathematics and architecture, casting an air of mystery and complexity.
The Kemper Museum’s retrospective celebration of Virginia Jaramillo’s artistry represents an unparalleled tribute to her contribution to abstract art. The exhibition delves into the profound connections between Jaramillo’s creations and her insatiable curiosity about the world around her. As visitors explore the diverse tapestry of her works, they are invited to engage with the enigmatic dialogues that Jaramillo’s art sparks, transcending time and inviting introspection.
“Principle of Equivalence” is a remarkable journey through the visionary mind of Virginia Jaramillo, showcasing her unique ability to weave illusion and reality into captivating artistic narratives. The Kemper Museum’s retrospective is a testament to her enduring legacy and a poignant celebration of her artistic ingenuity. The exhibition is a must-see for art enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the creative evolution of one of abstract art’s luminaries.