Artists’ talk for “Conjuring Presence,” An Exhibition of Visual Art & Poetry

Join us for a discussion with the artists featured in "Conjuring Presence," moderated by exhibition curator Jessica Kallista!

Register now via zoom, https://gmu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqdOyuqzssEtGHygimL-DQliIBqzxXP6Q-

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“Conjuring Presence” is an exhibition of art and poetry featuring George Mason University students, faculty, and alumni. Curated by Mason faculty member and artist Jessica Kallista, “Conjuring Presence” asks both artists and audience to think critically and examine many manifestations of presence:

* What does it mean to become mindful of the need to work against erasure when we understand who is not present and why?
* Who decides whether some people are or are not allowed to be present to occupy spaces in the arts and academia?
* How do we acknowledge the past, work for a just future, and still ground ourselves in the present?
* How might we work to conjure presence?

The participating artists and poets were paired and asked to consider these questions throughout the collaborative process. In doing the work of considering, questioning, and challenging the status quo with radical honesty and presence of mind, together they embrace the power to envision, freedom dream, and co-create otherwise worlds into existence.

“Conjuring Presence” is on view in Fenwick Gallery and online through Mason Exhibitions through December 11. View the full curatorial statement and online works at https://masonexhibitions.org/fenwick/conjuring-presence.