What are State of the Art 2020 Artists Doing During Quarantine?
State of the Art 2020, an exhibition at both the Momentary and Crystal Bridges, highlights the work of 61 artists living and working around the country today. We were curious what these artists were up to during quarantine, so we did some Instagram searching and found that many are finding ways to stay hopeful and creative. Some are making puppets, some are painting in their studios, and others still are sharing new work, tutorials, and inspiration with their followers. It’s a testament to the power of art and how it brings us together, even in times of separation.
Check out what some of the featured artists from State of the Art 2020 are doing during quarantine:
Sama Alshaibi is taking neighborhood walks with her son
Alshaibi, an artist based in Tucson, Arizona, has been spending time with her son, who is a talented, aspiring photographer, from what we can gather.
Her artwork, The Cessation, is featured in State of the Art 2020 in the Contemporary Art Gallery at Crystal Bridges.
JooYoung Choi is making colorful puppets
Choi, an artist and puppet-maker based in Houston, Texas, has been posting fun photos and videos of new puppet creations, puppet-making tutorials, and her fluffy cat.
Her artworks, Time for You and Joy to Get Acquainted and Journey to the Cosmic Womb are featured in State of the Art 2020 in the Modern Art Gallery at Crystal Bridges.
Elisa Harkins is making music and sharing new work
Tulsa-based Muscogee/Cherokee composer and artist Elisa Harkins has several digital tracks that have a mesmerizing sound, mixing electronic, synth, Native American music, and more. Listen to new music on her Bandcamp page and consider supporting her by purchasing a few of her songs!
She also shared a new sculpture work called The AIM Song, a testament to the American Indian Movement.
Her video artwork, Wampum, is featured in State of the Art 2020 in the Contemporary Art Gallery at Crystal Bridges.
Lori Kella is knitting sweaters
Cleveland-based artist Lori Kella shared on her Instagram that, in addition to being an artist, she is also an avid knitter! She shared some photos of sweaters she knitted on her page. Kella has also been creating paper art in her studio and hanging works for her upcoming exhibition Vanishing Shoreline.
Her artworks, Euclid’s Mirror and Slip into the Fog and Vanish (Painted Turtle), are featured in State of the Art 2020 in the Contemporary Art Gallery at Crystal Bridges.
Joanna Keane Lopez created a playlist of her favorite songs
Lopez, an artist based in Albuquerque, NM, created a playlist of “peaceful and fun favorite songs” of hers in a Spotify playlist for her followers at home. She coupled it with a beautiful photo of a rainbow to send “loving vibes.”
Her artwork, A dance of us (un baile de nosotros), is featured in State of the Art 2020 at the Momentary.
Cristina Molina posted her “whisper tour” from the New Orleans Museum of Art
In 2019, New Orleans-based artist Cristina Molina hosted a series of intimate guided tours of the New Orleans Museum of Art’s exhibition Ear to the Ground: Earth and Element in Contemporary Art. According to her profile, “Molina guided museum visitors through a whispered exploration of the artworks in the exhibition in which she assumed the perspective of the earth, personified.” Take a listen and explore a different exhibition, courtesy of one of the artists featured in State of the Art 2020.
Molina’s artworks, Fishtail and Ferns: From the Matriarchs Series, Ice Conch: From the Matriarchs Series, and Matrilineal Portrait: From the Matriarchs Series, are featured in State of the Art 2020 in the Contemporary Art Gallery at Crystal Bridges.
Jiha Moon is creating new work
Atlanta-based artist Jiha Moon shared new artwork creations on her Instagram, encouraging her followers to “keep on painting, keep on drawing” as she tells coronavirus to go away.
Her artworks, Yellowave and Mujigae yolo, are featured in State of the Art 2020 in the Modern Art Gallery at Crystal Bridges.
Edra Soto is inspiring students with her art
Jordan DeWilde, an art teacher at Oregon High School and The Art of Education University, shared the work of some of his students who were inspired by Chicago-based artist Edra Soto’s work, Open 24 Hours. One student even created a still life dually inspired by COVID-19. Soto captured the student’s work on her Instagram and gave a shout-out to Mr. DeWilde.
Open 24 Hours is featured in State of the Art 2020 at the Momentary. Learn more about Edra Soto and her artwork here.
Su Su created a video of her creative process
Pittsburgh, PA-based artist Su Su documented the creation of one of her new works, It Piggy, on video. Throughout the video, she points out different elements of the painting that were added incrementally. Check out the video and explore some of her new works on her Instagram page!
Her artworks, Darwin and A Life in the Woods, are featured in State of the Art 2020 in the Contemporary Art Gallery at Crystal Bridges.
Diego Rodriguez-Warner is also creating and sharing new art
Diego Rodriguez-Warner, an artist based in Denver, CO, doesn’t normally share new art on his digital platforms, but in our current state of quarantine, he’s making an exception. Take a look at some of his fascinating new works on his Instagram page.
His artwork, The Fountain, is featured in State of the Art 2020 at the Momentary.
Alice Pixley Young shared a video tutorial on papermaking
Cincinnati, Ohio-based artist Alice Pixley Young shared a basic papermaking demonstration using a dishpan mold and deckle. Learn more about her process and try it out for yourself! Watch the full video here.
Her artwork, Geist, Lighthouse and Transmissions, is featured in State of the Art 2020 at the Momentary.
Follow Alice Pixley Young on Instagram
State of the Art 2020 supported in part by Bank of America (Lead Sponsor), Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, Christie’s, The Coca-Cola Company, Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Trott Family Foundation, Alturas Foundation, Bracken Darrell, Fred and Shelby Gans. National tour sponsored by Bank of America.