The Sasse Museum of Art is a gathering place to celebrate the inspiring and transformative power
of arts and culture and to expand our understanding of ourselves and the world.
In the realm of contemporary art, three distinct exhibitions at the Sasse Museum of Art in downtown Pomona, CA, offer viewers a multifaceted journey into the depths of human experience and creativity. “I Am Alive, a Breath, a Trail” by Brittany Kiertzner, “The Way In” by Jackie Leishman, and “Shadow Notes” by John Woodcock each carve out their own space within the art world, inviting audiences to explore themes of identity, perception, and reinvention.
A SOLO EXHIBITION BY BRITTANY KIERTZNER
Curated by: Ahmad Shariff
"I Am Alive, a Breath, a Trail" an exhibition by Indigenous artist Brittany Kiertzner, delves into the profound exploration of the artist's quest to forge connections within the realms of loss and insecurity. It unravels the intrinsic vulnerability encapsulated within the dichotomy of life and death, particularly focusing on the subsequent generations of Indigenous women. The narrative navigates through the artist's endeavor to embody the inevitable social pressures that catalyze disintegration and impermanence.
In this body of work, the color red emerges as a potent symbol, signifying the prevailing silence and indifference that shrouds Indigenous women. A significant number of these women find themselves ensnared in the shadows, either missing or succumbing to violence. Kiertzner looks to these boundaries, by manifesting abstract figurative depictions within her sculptural works. These bodies serve as both a commemoration of those who have been lost, capturing the essence of their absence, while also portraying the resilience of those who persist, navigating the tumultuous currents of dysphoric conditions. Her installation “Sometimes/ Sewakie:ren”, looks to immortalize the stories that might otherwise be forgotten. Her woven panels are a discourse on the interconnectedness of our lives. Through symbols of circles/ portals/ faces, Kiertzner offers symbolic commentary on those who survive amidst adversity, reflecting the tenacity required to persist in the face of systemic challenges.
"My work centers on authenticity versus the use of Artificial Intelligence and reproducibility.