Eli Levin, Gay Pride Parade, 1992, screen print on aquatint, 16 x 20 in. Collection of the New Mexico Museum of Art. Courtesy photo
NMMA News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Museum of Art invites audiences to immerse themselves in the profound exploration of identity through the final rotation of its groundbreaking exhibition, Off-Center: New Mexico Art, 1970-2000. This comprehensive showcase encapsulates a transformative period in New Mexico’s art history while presenting identity as a central theme in artistic expression.
“Art has always been a powerful medium for exploring and expressing identity,” Dr. Mark White, Executive Director of NMMOA said. “Through Off-Center, we celebrate the artists who have used their creativity to navigate questions of self and community, leaving an indelible mark on New Mexico’s artistic legacy.”
Identity—a fundamental aspect of human existence—is deeply intertwined with art. For New Mexico’s diverse community of artists, identity takes on unique dimensions, shaped by cultural heritage, personal experience, and the dynamic interplay of tradition and innovation. In Off-Center, the concept of identity is explored through works that confront external definitions and celebrate individual and collective transformation. From ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic background to fluid and evolving self-perceptions, the exhibition examines how identity is expressed, challenged, and redefined through art.
“Identity is not static; it evolves as individuals navigate the complexities of their lives,” Alexandra Terry, Curator of Contemporary Art said. “Off-Center highlights how artists in New Mexico have used their work to explore personal and cultural identities, creating pieces that reflect the region’s rich and multifaceted history.”
The exhibition’s thematic sections—place, spectacle, and identity—highlight how artists grapple with the concept of self in relation to their surroundings and experiences. In the Identity section, works delve into questions of belonging, transformation, and representation. Through painting, sculpture, mixed media, and more, the exhibition reveals how identity serves as both a foundation and a frontier for artistic creation.
About The New Mexico Museum of Art
The New Mexico Museum of Art is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Programs and exhibits are supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and its donors. The mission of the Museum of Art is to create authentic experiences that foster a deeper understanding and enjoyment of art throughout our state. With a collection of more than 20,000 pieces of work, the museum brings the art of the world to New Mexico and the art of New Mexico to the world.