MONTEREY MUSEUM OF ART PRESENTS A VIVID EXPLORATION
OF CALIFORNIA'S AGRICULTURAL LEGACY AND ARTISTIC IDENTITY
MONTEREY, CA (November 15, 2023)—The Monterey Museum of Art (MMA) is proud to present a triad of captivating shows honoring California's rich agricultural history and diverse artistic expression. From January to April 2024, visitors can immerse themselves in a journey that spans a century of the California experience.
The Monterey Museum of Art's Winter Exhibition Season explores the deep-rooted connections between California's agricultural heritage and artistic expression. The poignant visuals of Dorothea Lange's photography highlight the enduring fortitude of migrant workers in times of great hardship. Joe Ramos' personal reflections of identity and kinship echo across generations, tying in the shared bonds of community within the vast landscapes of the Salinas Valley. This interplay of humanity and nature extends to historic works from the Museum's collection, underlining the transformation of agricultural life in the Central Valley from the WPA era to the present day. From the historical struggles and triumphs of farm laborers to the contemporary exploration of mixed heritage and cultural fusion, these exhibitions traverse a century of change while remaining rooted in the fabric of California's rich history.
Mixed Up – Connected: Joe Ramos Photographs (January 18 - April 21, 2024)
In a moving exploration of personal history and shared experiences, Mixed Up – Connected presents a collection of stirring photographs by Joe Ramos. His portraits offer glimpses into the lives of family and friends, while sweeping landscapes of Salinas Valley pay homage to the region's profound influence on his sense of identity and belonging. Ramos, of mixed Filipino and Mexican descent, articulates the complexities of heritage while shedding light on the broader narratives of identity and kinship in the region. Trained under Richard Conrat and influenced by greats like Robert Frank, Ramos's documentary style, botanical abstractions present a deep-rooted connection to California and its communities. Ramos's photographs—intimate snapshots of family and friends—act as a testament to the shared bonds of community within the vast agricultural landscapes of Central California.
Joe Ramos (b. 1949), Monique as a Child, 1980/2023, digital photograph, 10 x 8 in. Photo courtesy of the artist. © Joe Ramos
Learn more at https://www.montereyart.org.
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