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April 20–July 13, 2024
Opening Reception: Friday, April 19, 6:30–8:30 PM
The Athenaeum is pleased to present Unconscious Research, an exhibition of new work by Los Angeles-based artist Marisa Takal, on view in the Joseph Clayes III Gallery.
The exhibition will continue in the Carolyn Yorston-Wellcome Rotunda Gallery.
A selection of artists’ books from the Athenaeum’s Erika & Fred Torri Artists’ Books Collection will be showcased in the Max & Melissa Elliott North Reading Room.
The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library has earned a reputation as one of the outstanding art galleries and art collectors in San Diego. The Athenaeum’s art exhibition program, begun in the 1920s, has grown tremendously in both scope and recognition, particularly in the past 20 years.
Exhibitions are presented in three gallery spaces: the Joseph Clayes III Gallery, the Carolyn Yorston-Wellcome Rotunda Gallery, and the Max & Melissa Elliott North Reading Room. Approximately eight exhibitions per year are presented in each. Exhibitions in the Joseph Clayes III Gallery focus on nationally and internationally recognized artists. The Rotunda Gallery emphasizes community partnerships or emerging regional artists. Art in both galleries are related to the Athenaeum’s other focuses, namely books or music. Works have included limited edition artists' books, drawing, painting, site-specific installations, photography, sculpture, collage, mixed media, architecture, and calligraphy.
The Max & Melissa Elliott North Reading Room, opened during the library’s expansion in 2007, is devoted to showcasing the Athenaeum’s Erika and Fred Torri Artists’ Books Collection.
The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library’s art exhibitions are on view during library hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There is no charge for admission. Opening receptions and artists' walk-throughs are also free of charge.
The Carolyn Yorston-Wellcome Rotunda Gallery features annual collaborations with the San Diego State University Art Council and Children’s Hospital. Other community projects have included a fundraising exhibition for the Pacific Rim Parks Project.
The Athenaeum’s Annual Juried Exhibition is among the most prestigious in the San Diego area and the most sought-after by entering artists.
Exhibitions have given deserved recognition to San Diego artists including Joyce Cutler-Shaw, Patricia Patterson, Manny Farber, Italo Scanga, Zandra Rhodes, Russell Forester, Ernest Silva, Faiya Fredman, Jean Lowe, Viviana Lombrozo, Becky Cohen, Nina Katchadourian, Ethel Greene, Robin Bright, Raul Guerrero, Ellen Phillips, James Hubble, Jo Ann Tanzer, Christine Oatman, Roberto Salas, Marie Najera, Kim MacConnel, Teddy Cruz, Adam Belt, Jim Lee, Jay Johnson, David Adey, Ellen Salk, Gail Roberts, Sondra Sherman, and Philipp Scholz Rittermann. Artists from across the United States and around the world have included Harry Sternberg, Mauro Staccioli, Marcos Ramirez (ERRE), Nathan Gluck, William Wegman, Faith Ringgold, Ming Mur-Ray, Rolf Händler, David Teeple, and Peter Dreher.
Joseph Clayes III Gallery
HOME / EXHIBITIONS / CURRENT EXHIBITIONS / JOSEPH CLAYES III GALLERY
Marisa Takal: Unconscious Research
Exhibition Dates: April 20–July 13, 2024
Opening Reception: Friday, April 19, 6:30–8:30 PM, free
Gallery Walk-through: Saturday, April 20, 2 PM, free
Artist Talk: Tuesday, June 11, 6 PM reception/6:30 PM talk
The Athenaeum is pleased to present Unconscious Research, an exhibition of new work by Los Angeles-based artist Marisa Takal.
Unconscious Research features paintings and sculpture in which Takal explores exterior and interior expressions of the self. Predominantly working with oil on canvas, the paintings represent a shift in her work as she fully embraces the elemental language of abstraction, while her sculptural works showcase a collection of more linear and legible subjects. A Rolodex piece will be included in homage to the Athenaeum’s card catalogs, inviting visitors to peruse lists of personal feelings, collected from Takal’s friends and colleagues over the COVID-19 pandemic. Takal’s interests in the dissonance between our inner and outer consciousnesses and our human attempts to organize ourselves within that space are highlighted in this showcase of collective emotions and the inner workings of her artistic practice.
Takal (b. 1991, Montclair, New Jersey) received a BFA from San Francisco Art Institute in 2013. She has shown in numerous solo, duo, and group shows at Night Gallery, Los Angeles; Marianne Boesky Gallery, New York; White Columns, New York; Page Gallery, New York; Del Vaz Projects, Santa Monica; Bolsky Gallery, Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles; Dr. Bernard Heller Museum, New York; Nicodim Gallery, New York; Fall River Museum of Contemporary Art, Fall River; Jeffrey Stark, New York; and Loyal Gallery, Stockholm. In 2016, she was named the recipient of the Rema Hort Mann Foundation Emerging Artist Award and the Stanley Hollander Award. This is the artist’s first exhibition in San Diego.
The exhibition can be viewed in the Joseph Clayes III Gallery at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library (1008 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA 92037) during open hours, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Appointments are not required.
Carolyn Yorston-Wellcome Rotunda Gallery
HOME / EXHIBITIONS / CURRENT EXHIBITIONS / CAROLYN YORSTON-WELLCOME ROTUNDA GALLERY
Marisa Takal: Unconscious Research
Exhibition Dates: April 20–July 13, 2024
Opening Reception: Friday, April 19, 6:30–8:30 PM, free
Gallery Walk-through: Saturday, April 20, 2 PM, free
Artist Talk: Tuesday, June 11, 6 PM reception/6:30 PM talk
The Athenaeum is pleased to present Unconscious Research, an exhibition of new work by Los Angeles-based artist Marisa Takal.
Unconscious Research features paintings and sculpture in which Takal explores exterior and interior expressions of the self. Predominantly working with oil on canvas, the paintings represent a shift in her work as she fully embraces the elemental language of abstraction, while her sculptural works showcase a collection of more linear and legible subjects. A Rolodex piece will be included in homage to the Athenaeum’s card catalogs, inviting visitors to peruse lists of personal feelings, collected from Takal’s friends and colleagues over the COVID-19 pandemic. Takal’s interests in the dissonance between our inner and outer consciousnesses and our human attempts to organize ourselves within that space are highlighted in this showcase of collective emotions and the inner workings of her artistic practice.
Takal (b. 1991, Montclair, New Jersey) received a BFA from San Francisco Art Institute in 2013. She has shown in numerous solo, duo, and group shows at Night Gallery, Los Angeles; Marianne Boesky Gallery, New York; White Columns, New York; Page Gallery, New York; Del Vaz Projects, Santa Monica; Bolsky Gallery, Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles; Dr. Bernard Heller Museum, New York; Nicodim Gallery, New York; Fall River Museum of Contemporary Art, Fall River; Jeffrey Stark, New York; and Loyal Gallery, Stockholm. In 2016, she was named the recipient of the Rema Hort Mann Foundation Emerging Artist Award and the Stanley Hollander Award. This is the artist’s first exhibition in San Diego.
The exhibition can be viewed in the Carolyn Yorston-Wellcome Rotunda Gallery at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library (1008 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA 92037) during open hours, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Appointments are not required.
Max & Melissa Elliott
North Reading Room
HOME / EXHIBITIONS / CURRENT EXHIBITIONS / MAX & MELISSA ELLIOTT NORTH READING ROOM
Selections from the Athenaeum’s Erika & Fred Torri Artists’ Books Collection
Exhibition Dates: April 20–July 13, 2024
Opening Reception: Friday, April 19, 6:30–8:30 PM
A selection of artists’ books from the Athenaeum’s Erika & Fred Torri Artists’ Books Collection will be showcased in the Max & Melissa Elliott North Reading Room.
About the Athenaeum’s Erika & Fred Torri Artists’ Books Collection
The Athenaeum’s artists’ books collection was initiated in 1991 when Joan & Irwin Jacobs Executive Director Emeritus Erika Torri received a generous donation from life member Hope Shipley with the advice “to use it for her dreams.” Artists’ books have been Torri’s passion for many years prior and it seemed a natural fit for the Athenaeum. She purchased Harry Sternberg’s limited edition A Life in Woodcuts, published by Brighton Press, and thus the collection was launched. The mission of the collection was established with a focus on regional artists and presses and on artists who emphasized art and/or music in their works. The collection has grown enormously through purchases, sponsored acquisitions, and generous donations—now numbering close to 2,200 books—and so has its reputation. It is sought out by artists, researchers and collectors and can be viewed by making an appointment with library staff.
The exhibition can be viewed in the Max & Melissa Elliott North Reading Room at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library (1008 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA 92037) during open hours, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Appointments are not required.
Catherine & Robert Palmer Gallery
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Tarrah Aroonsakool: Through the Maze
Exhibition Dates/Fechas de exposición: March 2, 2023–May 3, 2024/del 2 de marzo de 2023 al 3 de mayo de 2024
Opening Reception/Recepción de apertura: Saturday, March 9, 5–8 PM/sábado, 9 de marzo, de 5 a 8 PM
Gallery Walk-Through/Recorrido guiado: Saturday, April 13, 7 PM/sábado, 13 de abril, 7 PM
Tarrah Aroonsakool is a first-generation San Diego native with Thai and Lao heritage, known for their artistic endeavors that delve into self-discovery and cultural narratives. Aroonsakool's art has been described as a journey of self-discovery, with their work reflecting a deep exploration of identity and societal dynamics. Their artistic practice encompasses various mediums, including immersive installations and claymation, through which she addresses complex issues such as the model minority myth and anti-Blackness.
Tarrah Aroonsakool's installation invites viewers to embark on an immersive journey through interconnectedness and tension. The maze, composed of layers of white tissue paper and various found objects, reflects the erasure of traditional culture and assimilation into society. As visitors navigate the ethereal maze they will encounter familiar household items and textile pieces from Aroonsakool's childhood, prompting reflection on America's societal underpinnings. The installation is complemented by a Claymation video installation that illustrates the perpetuation of racial narratives that divide people. Aroonsakool's exploration urges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and foster genuine solidarity.
Join us on April 13 and dive into Through the Maze with a special Q&A and guided walk-through led by artist Tarrah Aroonsakool. Starting at 7 p.m., Aroonsakool will guide small groups through the immersive maze, sharing insights and answering your questions. Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with the artist! The Barrio Art Crawl runs from 5 to 8 p.m.—the perfect Saturday plan to explore galleries and experience art in a new way. See you there!
Tarrah Aroonsakool es una nativa de San Diego de primera generación con ascendencia tailandesa y laosiana, conocida por sus esfuerzos artísticos que ahondan en el autodescubrimiento y las narrativas culturales. El arte de Aroonsakool se ha descrito como un viaje de autodescubrimiento, en el que su obra refleja una profunda exploración de la identidad y la dinámica social. Su práctica artística abarca diversos medios, como las instalaciones inmersivas y la plastilina, a través de los cuales aborda cuestiones complejas como el mito de la minoría modelo y la antinegritud.
La instalación de Tarrah Aroonsakool invita al espectador a embarcarse en un viaje inmersivo a través de la interconexión y la tensión. El laberinto, compuesto por capas de papel de seda blanco y diversos objetos encontrados, refleja el borrado de la cultura tradicional y la asimilación a la sociedad. A medida que los visitantes recorren el etéreo laberinto, se encontrarán con objetos domésticos familiares y piezas textiles de la infancia de Aroonsakool, que incitan a la reflexión sobre los fundamentos sociales de Estados Unidos. La instalación se complementa con un vídeo de plastilina que ilustra la perpetuación de las narrativas raciales que dividen a la gente. La exploración de Aroonsakool insta a los espectadores a enfrentarse a verdades incómodas y a cultivar una auténtica solidaridad.
Ven el 13 de abril y sumérgete en Through the Maze con una sesión especial de preguntas y respuestas y un recorrido guiado por la artista Tarrah Aroonsakool. A partir de las 19.00 horas, Aroonsakool guiará a pequeños grupos a través del laberinto, compartiendo sus ideas y respondiendo a sus preguntas. No te pierdas esta oportunidad única de conectar con el artista. El Barrio Art Crawl se celebra de 17.00 a 20.00 horas—el plan perfecto para un sábado en el que explorar galerías y experimentar el arte de una forma nueva ¡Nos vemos allí!
The exhibition can be viewed in the Catherine and Robert Palmer Gallery at the Athenaeum Art Center (1955 Julian Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113) during open gallery hours, Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and every second Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m., during the Barrio Art Crawl, and by appointment.
La exposición se puede ver en la Galería Catherine y Robert Palmer en el Centro de Arte Athenaeum (1955 Julian Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113) durante el horario de atención de la galería, de martes a sábado, de 11 a. m. a 4 p. m., y cada segundo sábado de 5 a 8 p.m., durante el Barrio Art Crawl, y con cita previa.