In William Way’s 2020 Group Exhibition, artists Chelsey Luster, Esaí Alfredo Figueroa Ruiz, and Vicente Ortiz Cortez explore, through different styles and techniques, a series of interrelated themes across different timelines: past, present and future.

Through the use of (self) portraiture, the artists help us to not only connect with them and their stories, but masterfully invite us to reflect how simple things like love, the privacy and solitude of a bathroom, or even the comfort of our daily routines can all be taken by death, violence, or even inaction – making us feel both vulnerable, but also a pathway for us to imagine not only a different past, but a better present and maybe even, a more positive future in a time when it feels not only needed, but urgent.

In chronological order, we start in the past. Figueroa Ruiz’ paintings, in fitting almost-sepia undertones, and inspired by multiple re-versions of songs from the past; reminds us of the colonial Caribbean, today. One with a past filled with grief and death, but also love. Through this new interpretation, the artist allows us to see ourselves and our personal experiences while connecting to the experiences of those before us.

We then move to the present with Luster’s exploration of the, often times false, sense of security that, like today’s America, bathrooms can offer; especially for those whose intersectionality of race, sexuality and gender can result in trauma and isolation; but also, and more importantly, one of self love, growth, and empowerment.

We then move into Ortiz Cortez’ multi-colored future that shows his self-described anthropocenic anxieties. With his work, the artist forces us to think about the fate of nature and humanity in a place where not only climate change and global warming is not tackled, but is not done so through an environmental justice approach.

Co-curators
Irving Chan Gomez
Janus Ourma