With a theme that feels strikingly timely, the Mid-South Sculpture Alliance and ETSU Slocumb Galleries have partnered to present their juried exhibition, entitled “Resistance,” at ETSU.
Curated by interdisciplinary artist and juror Michael Dickins, this exhibit brings urgent conversations about freedom, identity and expression into the heart of ETSU’s campus.
Beyond the standard definition, this exhibit explores the idea of Resistance through a myriad of lenses. While some works explore the idea of resistance in a political context, others interpret it through material experimentation and personal narratives. This approach of broadening the theme beyond just political commentary is intentional, providing the artist’s biography and statement for visitors to form their own interpretations.
“Resistance can be viewed in various ways,” said Dr. Karlota Contreras-Koterbay, director of ETSU Tipton and Slocumb Galleries. “People may not agree with everything, but that’s part of the process. We want it to be educational and an opportunity for discourse.”
One standout piece is by Mexican-born, Texas-based artist Veronica Ibargüengoiti. She chose to engrave reproductions of immigration and tax documents onto stone. This process becomes its own form of resistance as she carves against the hardness of the material and figuratively against systems that have reduced people to paperwork.
Another interactive installation by a Memphis-based Asian American artist, Sepideh Tajalizadeh Dashti, features a clear acrylic suitcase filled with soft, white fabric human silhouettes. Visitors are invited to draw their own identities onto the figures using provided markers.
Some figures depict LGBTQ+ identities, disabilities or cultural markers. Others remain simple and unadorned. The piece speaks to migration not as leisure, but as necessity, which is a reality faced by many immigrants and refugees worldwide.
“You see this luggage full of diverse people, all ready to go,” said Contreras-Koterbay. “For me, as a migrant person, it resonates deeply, in both positive and sad ways.”
As you progress throughout the exhibit, you will see works from featured artists: Jason Brown, Jarod Charzewski, Jack Eubanks, David Marquez, Chelsea Moulder, Janet Orselli, Melissa Sclafani, Suzanna Scott, Sarah Spillers, Durant Thompson, Kristen Tordella-Williams and Luke Warren.
As conversations concerning cultural expression and acceptance continue worldwide, this theme of exploring what resistance looks like feels especially resonant. While differences in belief are inevitable, the exhibition advocates for civil discourse rather than imposed ideology.
“Instead of y’all, I’ve been using the word ‘we all’ lately. We all are in this together,” said Contreras-Koterbay. “Resistance is important right now, and we will always have agency. It may not be easy. It may not be safe, but we have the ability to resist and fight for what we believe in.”
The exhibition closes this week with an ending reception, though a recorded curator and artist conversation remains available on the Mid-South Sculpture Alliance’s website and YouTube channel for continued viewing.
