STRATA GALLERY WELCOMES NEW EMERGING ARTIST COHORT
Strata Gallery is thrilled to unveil the talented artists selected for its "Emerging Artist Program." This esteemed initiative aims to nurture and elevate emerging talents within the art world, providing them with mentorship, exposure, and a platform to engage with the artistic community. After a rigorous selection process, five exceptional artists have been chosen for the 2023-2024 cohort.
Selected through a careful review process, the new artists of the "Emerging Artist Program" are Mehrdad Mirzaie, Keanu Jones, Rebecca Padilla-Pipkin, Emma Ressel, and Jandey Shackelford.
Mehrdad Mirzaie, For the People, Collaboration Project with Rembrandt Quiballo, Photo-Video Installation, Phoenix, 2023
Mehrdad Mirzaie, an Iranian-born multidisciplinary artist, delves into the meaning of art, not only as a form of expression, but also as a way of bridging the gaps between different cultures and historical moments. Keanu Jones, a Diné/Navajo artist, draws inspiration from his upbringing on the Navajo Nation, reflecting his cultural identity in his videos and photography.
Keanu Jones, Matrilineal Wisdom, Digital Art, 20” x 11” x 24”
Rebecca Padilla-Pipkin, reciprocal capture, Silk, Wood, Natural Dye from Sonoran Desert Plants, 18' x 4'
Rebecca Padilla-Pipkin, a Puerto Rican interdisciplinary visual artist based in Phoenix, explores the interaction between the human and more-than-human through her work grounded in ecological relationships. Emma Ressel, a photographer, skillfully captures beauty and decay through her large-format images that challenge perceptions of preservation and consumption. Jandey Shackelford, an interdisciplinary artist, blends craft and construction materials to navigate the gender binary and traditional gender roles in a chaotic world.
Emma Ressel, Approximate Encounters, Archival Pigment Prints, Insect Pins, 34” x 25” x 1”
Jandey Shackelford, Imprint 2 (detail), Asphalt-Saturated paper, Footprints, Hand-Sewn Fibers, 51” x 48.5”
"The selection process for our Emerging Artist Program cohort was both exciting and challenging, given the abundance of talent," notes Jennifer Van, Gallery Director at Strata Gallery. "We are excited to offer these artists the mentorship and exposure they deserve as they embark on their professional artistic journey."
The Emerging Artist Program will feature solo exhibitions for each emerging artist, creative workshops, and inclusion in the gallery's annual group member show. By fostering a supportive community and providing opportunities for growth, the program aims to propel emerging artists toward successful artistic careers.
Strata Gallery's commitment to promoting emerging talents is evident in its pioneering initiative. The gallery looks forward to welcoming art enthusiasts and the community at large to experience the unique perspectives of these emerging artists.
"This project is supported in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, and by the National Endowment for the Arts."