In a time in which much about the world is in doubt, one traveling art exhibit seeks to inspire its viewers to reflect on the past, focus on the present, and hope for the future. That exhibit, Notes for Tomorrow, launched at Haverford via the Cantor Fitzgerald Gallery and will make its home there through April 11.
The traveling exhibition features works of art across different media–photography, music, sculpture, painting, installations, poetry, and more–from 30 different artists from around the world, each united by a central theme of spirituality and faith in times of hardship. Their work was organized by 30 curators from 25 countries, who were asked to contribute an art piece that seeks to question and reflect on the current state of the world.
Organized and produced by Independent Curators International (ICI), Notes for Tomorrow travels to museums, college art galleries, smaller art spaces, and even online, to provide plenty of viewing opportunities that are both accessible and safe in the midst of the pandemic.
At Haverford, the exhibit has also occupied a number of locations around campus, to ensure easy access.
“There are dozens of works in the exhibition in a range of media including some works that exist in displays in the Cantor Fitzgerald Gallery and Lutnick Library, others that exist as part of programs in VCAM, and still more works that are unfolding online over the course of the exhibition,” said Matthew Callinan, associate director of the Cantor Fitzgerald Gallery, VCAM, and Campus Exhibitions. “So, for example, in the Cantor Fitzgerald Gallery, where the bulk of the exhibition is contained, there are video works, print works, a hand-painted mural, and installations including work by artist Joiri Minaya, who will be in conversation with Patricia Kim from Monument Lab as part of a program on March 9.”
Additionally, in VCAM, there will be screenings of film works by Shezad Dawood and Cao Guimarães. Haverford also facilitates the weekly release of playlists as part of the series Soothsayer Serenades. With the idea being conceived by Amrita Hepi, an award-winning First Nations choreographer and dancer, Haverford students and staff create a unique playlist each week, inspired by Hepi’s work. These playlists are released each Wednesday at 4 p.m. via the @hcexhibits Instagram and Spotify accounts (three have already been released).
Joiri Minaya, Proposal for artistic intervention on the Columbus statue in front of the Government House in Nassau, The Bahamas, 2017, Digital print on standard postcard paper, 5 x 7 in. Courtesy of the artist. Shezad Dawood, Leviathan Cycle, Episode 1: Ben, 2017, single screen, 12:52 mins. Commissioned by University of Salford Art Collection, Outset Contemporary Art Fund and Leviathan – Human & Marine Ecology, with support from The Contemporary Art Society. Cao Guimarães, O fim do sem fim (The end of the endless), 2001, filmed in 16mm/super – 8/MiniDV, 1:30:00 mins. Direced and edited by: Beto Magalhães, Cao Guimarães, Lucas Bambozzi. Courtesy of the artist. Shezad Dawood, Leviathan Cycle, Episode 6: Ding Ling and Senait, 2017, single screen, 12:52 mins. Commissioned by University of Salford Art Collection, Outset Contemporary Art Fund and Leviathan – Human & Marine Ecology, with support from The Contemporary Art Society. Joiri Minaya, The Cloaking of the statue of Ponce de Leon at the Torch of Friendship on Biscayne Blvd, Miami, Florida, 2019. dye-sublimation print on spandex fabric and wood scructure. Photos by Zachary Balber, commissioned by Fringe Projects Miami. Courtesy of the artist. Cao Guimarães, O fim do sem fim (The end of the endless), 2001, filmed in 16mm/super 8/MiniDV, 1:30:00 mins. Direced and edited by: Beto Magalhães, Cao Guimarães, Lucas Bambozzi. Courtesy of the artist.
In addition to the on-campus effort to engage participation, Haverford will also be hosting numerous Zoom meetings with artists and curators from all across the world that will be open to the public.
“The goal is always to create a space for learning and dialogue and it’s wonderful that we’re able to host individuals from outside of the campus community to help open up that space,” said Callinan. “Now are able to host curator Giulia Colletti, who is based in Turin, Italy, and artist Maeve Brennan, who is based in London, England, for an event simultaneously.”
Regarding the scale of Notes for Tomorrow, Callinan said, “I really appreciate how Independent Curators International has gathered together the curatorial and artistic efforts of so many individuals into a singular exhibition; providing a space for recognition and reflection on many of the important matters people are currently facing.”
Notes for Tomorrow will be featured in the Cantor Fitzgerald Gallery and other locations around campus from Feb. 15 until April 11, 2021, and is available for visiting to campus community members only. Information about the exhibit and its accompanying virtual events can be found on the exhibit’s website.