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I’m excited to bring “Facing the Giant: 3 Decades of Dissent” to Southern Arizona, opening with the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum on October 7. Whether addressing equality, climate change, war, abuse of power, economic inequality, or police brutality, I aim to promote a more just world with my art, and this body of work is a survey of important milestones and messages from my career. I am grateful to the city of Mesa for providing free and publicly accessible art with exhibitions like mine and that of my good friend Swoon, as well as the group show “Just Cause: The Power of Contemporary Art in Social Engagement.” I look forward to visiting this fall when my team and I will paint a public mural as well. Thanks for the support!
–Shepard
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 21, 2023
Opening Reception Saturday, Oct. 7 | 7-10 p.m.
Press Preview Friday, Oct. 6
Mesa, AZ – Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum celebrates the opening of its new exhibitions featuring artists Shepard Fairy, Caledonia Curry (Swoon) and “Just Cause: The Power of Contemporary Art in Social Engagement,” a group exhibition of artistic activism. The public opening reception includes musical entertainment by DJ This Just-In, light refreshments and a cash bar on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 7-10 p.m.
Get an exclusive sneak peek at our fall exhibitions by joining us for a press preview event at Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum on Friday, Oct. 6. Morning and afternoon spots are available. Please RSVP to amanda.urrea@mesaartscenter.com to reserve your time.
“Facing the Giant: 3 Decades of Dissent”
Shepard Fairey
Oct. 7, 2023–Jan. 21, 2024
An internationally acclaimed muralist and social activist, Shepard Fairey is one of the most influential street artists and clothing brand creators of our time. “Facing the Giant: 3 Decades of Dissent” reflects on the artist’s transformation from a 19-year-old skateboarding, punk-inspired undergraduate into the activist, humanitarian, father and husband he has become today, along with the metaphoric and literal trials he experienced along the way. Fairey has always used his art to speak his mind, and this exhibition features Fairey’s artistic continuity and evolution from the first 30 years of his career.
“Gift in the Rupture”
Caledonia Curry (Swoon)
Oct. 7, 2023–Jan. 14, 2024
Caledonia Curry, known as Swoon, is a renowned Brooklyn-based contemporary artist and filmmaker recognized around the world for her pioneering vision in public art as the first female street artist to gain international acclaim in a male-dominated field. “Gift in the Rupture” speaks to what can happen when we harness our innate strength and transform our pain into beauty. In this exhibition, Curry brings her own rendition of mythological and everyday human archetypes, reminding us to look toward the monumental as well as the often-overlooked role models in our lives for inspiration on how to be better, healthier, more compassionate human beings.
“Just Cause: The Power of Contemporary Art in Social Engagement”
Oct. 7–Dec. 10, 2023
From homemade protest signs to propaganda posters, artistic activism is a powerfully persuasive tool intended to raise awareness and elicit action on social and political issues. “Just Cause” brings together 14 advocate artists from across the United States, who use their art to civically promote a cause or inspire social change. Through a variety of mediums, the featured artwork provides provocative commentaries on some of today’s most pressing issues, including homelessness, civil rights, social justice, gender inequality, climate change, immigration and civil liberties. Featured artists include: Russell Biles, Christian Black, Aaron S. Coleman, Sarah Conti, Jennifer Ling Datchuk, Michelle Erickson, Patrick Earl Hammie, Josh Keyes, Kris Kuksi, Annie Lopez, Narsiso Martinez, Jacob Meders (Mechoopda/Maidu), Gabriel Garcia Roman and Alexi Torres.
Museum hours beginning Sunday, Oct. 8:
Mon: CLOSED
Tue–Sat: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun: Noon–5 p.m.
For more information, visit mesaartscenter.com/mcam or call 480-644-6560.
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is located at 1 East Main Street in downtown Mesa,
AZ. Admission is always free.
About Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum
As part of Mesa Arts Center, Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum (MCA Museum) showcases the best in contemporary art by emerging, nationally and internationally recognized artists. MCA Museum provides support and advancement to artists through solo, group and juried exhibitions. MCA Museum’s free admission and strong engagement programs provide visitors with free school and public tours, a robust docent program and free artist talks.
About Mesa Arts Center
Mesa Arts Center, owned and operated by the City of Mesa, is a unique, architecturally stunning facility located in the heart of downtown Mesa. Arizona’s largest arts center is home to four theaters, five art galleries and 14 art studios. Guests, patrons and students come to Mesa Arts Center to enjoy the finest live entertainment and performances, world-class visual art exhibitions and outstanding arts education classes. Mesa Arts Center’s mission is to inspire people through engaging arts experiences that are diverse, accessible and relevant. For more information, visit mesaartscenter.com.
