MCLA’s Gallery 51 to Debut “Materialscape” Exhibition

MCLA’s Gallery 51 will host an opening reception for a new exhibition titled “Materialscape” featuring the work of three visual artists who explore the intersection of materiality and land. The exhibition opens on Friday, Sept. 6, with an opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. including light refreshments and a performance by Marissa Baez. The reception is free and open to the public.

“Materialscape” introduces the work of three visual artists—Marissa Baez (Mexican American), Delaney Keshena (Menominee), and Mikayla Patton (Oglala Lakota), each distinctively exploring the intersection of materiality and land.

Their intentional use of material is deeply rooted in their cultural and personal journeys, manifesting either as a form of reclaiming or as a continuation. Ash, beeswax, metal, porcupine quills, paper, animal hide, and plants are not merely mediums but pivotal elements central to their expressive practices. By employing both natural and synthetic materials, the artists collectively share stories, memories, and histories that powerfully reflect on the contemporary Indigenous experience. 

Through diligent research and the embrace of communal knowledge, these artists delve into the complexities of identity, resistance, and resilience. Their works act as a dynamic exploration of the interplay between culture, environment, and personal narrative, illustrating how deeply embedded materials can convey profound thematic inquiries. As they navigate through themes of dispossession and regeneration, their artworks resonate as potent symbols of cultural reclamation and personal revelation, offering insights into both shared and unique paths of Indigenous persistence and creativity. 

The exhibition is on view through Nov. 3.  

Gallery 51 is located at 51 Main St., North Adams, MA. 

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