In a bid to inspire minds and spark conversations beyond the ordinary, the Nevada Museum of Art has unveiled a riveting series of exhibitions under the banner of “Wide-Eyed and Dreaming: A Season of Seeing in Four Acts.” This extraordinary artistic endeavor beckons visitors to traverse realms of thought, question conventions, and immerse themselves in a sensory journey that will challenge and enrich their perceptions of reality.
Act 1: April Bey: Atlantica, The Gilda Region
The first act, brought to life by the contemporary artist and educator April Bey, transports attendees to a realm where time slows and space transforms. “Atlantica: The Gilda Region” is a breathtaking universe where people of African descent thrive as celebrated visionaries and artists, free from the shackles of oppression and racism. A portal entrance enveloped in magenta light leads to a space adorned with vibrant woven tapestries and textiles that resonate with color and symbolism.
As visitors step out of the portal, they become part of this thriving world, guided by none other than the artist herself. The tapestries and textiles mirror their own reflections, subtly integrating them into the vibrant landscape of Atlantica. Emissaries of this utopian world, including luminaries like Marsha P. Johnson and the Cowgirls of Color, extend an invitation to explore a reality that rejects division and embraces queerness, feminism, and boundless joy. Bey’s creation is a poignant tribute to women’s resilience against colonialism, inviting visitors to envision a world where self-defined identities reign supreme.
Act 2: Guillermo Bert: The Journey
Contemporary artist Guillermo Bert’s “The Journey” draws inspiration from the unearthed terracotta warriors of Shaanxi, China, weaving a narrative that parallels the struggles of modern-day immigrants. The sculptures, crafted through intricate laser-cutting techniques, pay homage to the unsung heroes of the pandemic era—front-line workers who laboriously kept society afloat. “Local Warriors,” a collection of life-sized wooden sculptures, commemorates the invisible workforce that emerged from obscurity during the pandemic.
“Leading The People,” another evocative installation, captures the essence of these modern-day warriors—individuals who crossed treacherous terrains to chase dreams, only to find themselves grappling with shadows instead of the light they sought. Bert’s powerful work encapsulates the essence of perseverance, sacrifice, and the pursuit of the elusive American Dream.
A fusion of tradition and innovation takes center stage in Bert’s “Encoded Textiles.” By weaving QR codes into traditional designs, Bert masterfully melds ancestral storytelling with cutting-edge technology, inviting visitors to scan the codes and delve into a cinematic universe of Mapuche elders, activists, and poets. This immersive experience bridges the gap between generations and mediums, fostering a powerful connection between the past and the present.
The Nevada Museum of Art’s “Wide-Eyed and Dreaming: A Season of Seeing in Four Acts” delivers a symphony of thought-provoking exhibitions that traverse time, identity, and culture. By inviting visitors to engage, question, and marvel, the museum is nurturing a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of art. University of Nevada, Reno students will have a unique opportunity to engage with these exhibitions thanks to the Wayne L. Prim Free Student Admission Endowment. With these acts, the museum propels its audience on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment, one exhibition at a time
