Exhibition Catalog - Don't Think Twice // Crocodile Tobacco Flowers by Harwood Art Center

DON’T THINK TWICE apolo gomez

CROCODILE TOBACCO FLOWERS zahra marwan

Harwood Art Center August 9 - September 16, 2021 www.harwoodartcenter.org

COVER: Apolo Gomez, Mr. Maestas, 2021, 20 x 16 inches, Archival Inkjet Print © Apolo Gomez Courtesy of the artist; Zahra Marwan, The flowers around, India Ink on Paper, 9”x9”, 2021

With sweetness and seriousness, Apolo Gomez and Zahra Marwan create narratives that

confront masculinity. Their solo exhibitions at the Harwood Art Center are in some ways so far from one another. Yet, they each tenderly create portraits and characters that evoke a softness not typically extended to men in hetero-normative society.

In both self and subject portraiture, Apolo Gomez subverts the male gaze. Don’t Think

Twice combines photographic prints of men in Apolo’s life, with a series of self portrait polaroids. Many of the men featured in this series embody physical stereotypes of masculinity, yet they exude a rawness and sensuality that is historically reserved for portraits of women. The exhibition presents a real spectrum of “maleness” with a genuine intimacy. The mannerisms and expression of each image is wholly individual, allowing the audience to shed the societal demands placed on male bodies. Within this diversity, Apolo is able to maintain harmony. With consistency in composition, cropping, and color he creates commonality. Simultaneously Don’t Think Twice conveys the uniqueness of personhood and the universality of vulnerability.

The genius of Zahra Marwan’s work is her ability to ground whimsy in reality- balancing

the heaviest of subject matters in the delicacy of her hand. Crocodile Tobacco Flowers presents a short poetic narrative that examines male competition. The softness and humor of Zahra’s illustrations, contrasts the masculinity she is critiquing. In sequence, the artwork titles become a narrative poem. Paired with the illustrations of two brothers, in a continuous alpha-male battle, Zahra points out the nonsensical and cyclical nature of patriarchy. The brother characters are blinded and bound in their perpetual state of competition, trying to out “man” one another, while their more gentle brother is busy dreaming and tending his garden. Zahra’s pieces, though small and intimate, bring into focus lifes larger questions. What fleeting pleasures do we miss, while we are busy comparing ourselves with one another?

Apolo Gomez and Zahra Marwan are able to create compelling bodies of work with piercing

precision. Their work offers critique without condemnation, and questions masculinity out of genuine curiosity. The intimacy that radiates from each collection is indicative of the vulnerability presented by each artist. Their work is so resonant because it combines lived experience with exemplary vision and talent. Helen Atkins, Jordyn Bernicke & Julia Mandeville Co-Curators & Cooperative Leadership Team, Harwood Art Center

DON’T THINK TWICE By Apolo Gomez

Don’t Think Twice by Apolo Gomez is an exhibition of photographic prints and polaroids that include portraits of male-identified friends as well as vernacular and constructed self-portraits of himself addressing the tension between intimacy, desire, and queer trauma. The exhibition includes photographic works from You Make Me Want to Be a Man, a series primarily made during the pandemic about male-centric sensuality and the identity of heterosexual and queer-identified men. Throughout the exhibition are polaroids of the artist that recount intimate moments and thoughts about the dislocation of his own queerness.

Apolo Gomez, You look EXOTIC, 2021, 4.2 x 3.4 inches, Polaroid with sharpie © Apolo Gomez Courtesy of the artist Apolo Gomez, Will I SURVIVE?, 2021, 4.2 x 3.4 inches, Polaroid with sharpie © Apolo Gomez Courtesy of the artist Apolo Gomez, Homage to Cathy and Joey (self-portrait), 2021, 30 x 24 inches, Archival Inkjet Print © Apolo Gomez Courtesy of the artist

Helen Atkins, Five, stoneware, 4.5” x 17” x 3”, 2020

Apolo Gomez, Justin, 2020, 20 x 16 inches, Archival Inkjet Print © Apolo Gomez Courtesy of the artist Apolo Gomez, Woodlee, 2020, 16 x 20 inches, Archival Inkjet Print © Apolo Gomez Courtesy of the artist Apolo Gomez, Hueco (Martin), 2021, 16 x 20 inches, Archival Inkjet Print © Apolo Gomez Courtesy of the artist 6

I explore the disconnection of manhood filtered through the lens of my Queer gaze.

“In my work, I use environmental portraiture, alternative processes, and transdisciplinary media to explore relationships with men in my life from friends to lovers and acquaintances. I focus on the male gaze, the male figure, desire, intimacy, and masculinity. I grew up in a small community, throughout my adolescence I remember having a difficult time developing friendships with other boys. I didn’t understand boy culture and later on had a hard time adapting the idea of pride in masculinity. Instead I developed an awareness of my own queerness early on. I am placing men in their homes, places of intimacy and importance, photographing the way they look into the camera, the position of their bodies, the way they arrange their spaces. In these moments, I explore the disconnection of manhood filtered through the lens of my Queer gaze.” - Apolo Gomez

Pages 8-9 L-R: Apolo Gomez, Mr. Maestas, 2021, 20 x 16 inches, Archival Inkjet Print © Apolo Gomez Courtesy of the artist; Apolo Gomez, Taylor, 2020, 20 x 24 inches, Archival Inkjet Print © Apolo Gomez Courtesy of the artist; Apolo Gomez, Don’t Think Twice (installation view), Aziza Murray and Harwood Art Center, All Rights Reserved

Pages 10-11 L-R: Apolo Gomez, David, 2020, 24 x 20 inches, Archival Inkjet Print © Apolo Gomez Courtesy of the artist Apolo Gomez, Tamon, 2021, 24 x 20 inches, Archival Inkjet Print © Apolo Gomez Courtesy of the artist 11

apolo gomez

Apolo Gomez (b. Austin, TX) is a visual artist based out of Albuquerque, NM. His work has been exhibited at spaces including the Colorado Photographic Arts Center, Denver, CO, University of Art, Hamilton & Aronson Galleries, Philadelphia, PA, and the National Hispanic Cultural Center Art Museum. Gomez is currently working as a Studio Assistant for Judy Chicago and Donald Woodman. www.apologomez.com

CROCO

Pages 14-15 L-R: Zahra Marwan, always there, India Ink and Watercolor on Paper, 9”x9”, 2021 Zahra Marwan, And two brothers, India Ink on Paper, 9”x9”, 2021 14

ODILE TOBACCO FLOWERS

By Zahra Marwan

A short, sequential, visual narrative of gentle man interrupted by two angry, constantly fighting men who live near him Running free with their institutionalized misogyny, the series questions masculine traits and being excessively self-impressed.

Pages 16-17 L-R: Zahra Marwan, In a constant round of frustration, India Ink on Paper, 9”x9”, 2021 Zahra Marwan, Outdoing one another, India Ink on Paper, 9”x9”, 2021 15

In my illustrations I consider this wonderful, glorious mess we’re all living in. 16

““I build my illustrations with a delicate combination of random thoughts, memories from the past, and little bits of reminiscences. Napping in the afternoon, smoking in the courtyard, coming across a small wedding, I almost forget. I like to discern warmth and poignancy in the imperfections that make us human. In all of my faults and inadequacies, through all of the pain and heartache, I find so much beauty in my life.” -Zahra Marwan

I have a garden And two brothers In a constant round of frustration

Outdoing one another With longevity disregard, side-by-side

A fight where my flowers grow A push and pull There they are

Maybe they’ve noticed The flowers around

Finding balance Like a crocodile in tobacco flowers

always there Flexing in my garden

zahra marwan

Zahra grew up in two deserts which vary drastically and have many similarities in culture. One close to the sea, the other close to the mountains. She studied the visual arts in France, and continues various pursuits to further educate herself. She currently lives in the Barelas neighborhood of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and works in her studio at the Harwood Art Center, where she incorporates Kuwaiti tendencies into her daily life. www.zahramarwan.com

HArWood ArT CENTEr 2021 eXHIbITioN cALeNdA

Harwood Art Center is dedicated to providing exhibition, audience expansion and professional development opportun artists working in any media and from diverse creative fields. Featuring established, emerging, and youth artists, our G Program engages a supportive process from concept development through installation and public opening. In 2021, w a hybrid model that bridges in-person and virtual platforms. For each exhibition, Harwood creates comprehensive outr and digital materials including exhibition catalogs, virtual galleries and artist talks to amplify the unique visions and voi our artists. For more information, or to learn how to apply, please visit harwoodartcenter.org

nities to Galleries we offer reach ices of

MARCH 8 - APRIL 15 ENCOMPASS: A Multi-Generational Art Event Featuring four outdoor installations, one indoor gallery exhibition and online Open Studios shop and galleries. Our featured artists are Lynnette Haozous, Ade Cruz, Caitlin Carcerano, Viola Arduini, Escuela Del Sol Montessori students and Harwood studio artists. Harwood’s annual Encompass is both a reflection of and an offering to our community. Virtual Artist Talks: Thursday, March 25 | 5:30pm

APRIL 26 - JUNE 3 Until The Mud Settles: Katherine Hunt Contrasting the methodic repetition of line and geometry with naturally occurring irregularities in fiber, Until the Mud Settles examines the duality between the obligation to some semblance of order and the presence of ubiquitous chance. Catastrophic Molt: Madelin Coit This installation of light, polycarbonate, paper, and mesh is meant to embody the transformation that occurs when we replace old ideas with new ones, and is deeply informed by Coit’s experience in the Antarctic. Virtual Artist Talks: Thursday, May 13 | 5:30pm

JUNE 14 - JULY 29 SURFACE: Emerging Artists of New Mexico Harwood Art Center’s annual juried exhibition, professional development and endowed cash awards program honors emerging artists currently living and working in New Mexico.

SEPTEMBER 27 - NOVEMBER 4 Residency for Art & Social Justice Harwood’s Residency for Art & Social Justice is dedicated to feature and support artists working at the intersections of creative expression and social justice. For the occasion of Harwood’s 30th Anniversary, we are offering and formally establishing our first official seven month residency program. Virtual Artist Talks: Thursday, October 14 | 5:30pm

DECEMBER 2

Virtual Artist Talks: Thursday, July 8 | 5:30pm

12x12 Fundraising Exhibitions Harwood’s annual fundraising exhibitions featuring established, emerging and youth artists from New Mexico. This event includes 150 works that remain anonymous until sold – for the flat rates of $144 (12”x12”) or $36 (6”x6”), printed exhibition catalogs ($36) and an Artwork Preview before the original works go on sale.

AUGUST 9 - SEPTEMBER 16

Exhibition Runs: December 2 – March 2022

Nate Lemuel Solo Exhibition Winner of our 2020 SURFACE: Emerging Artists of New Mexico.

Don’t Think Twice: Apolo Gomez A series of photographic works about the empathic voids brought about by queerness and the societal bonds that form from it. Night Unraveling: Zahra Marwan A short, sequential, visual narrative of gentle man interrupted by two angry, constantly fighting men who live near him. Running free with their institutionalized misogyny, the series questions masculine traits and being excessively self-impressed. Virtual Artist Talks: Thursday, August 26 | 5:30pm

Harwood staff curate four exhibitions annually, ENCOMPASS: A Multi-Generational Art Event, SURFACE: Emerging Artists of New Mexico, and BRIDGE: Art & Social Justice. 12x12 is our annual fundraiser; all proceeds support our free community arts education, outreach and professional development. (Top to Bottom; Left to Right): Viola Arduini, Chimera Manifesto (Hybrid Hummingbirds), digital photography, 2020; Apolo Gomez, Poolside with Luke, print, 2020; Madelin Coit, 11.21.16, steel and plastic mesh, 2016; Zahra Marwan, Long Way Home, Watercolor and Ink, October 2019; Katherine Hunt, Tetra no. I, Fiber, Acrylic, Glue, Masonite, Charcoal, Soot, Resin, 2020; Nate Lemeul, Ryan, photography, 2020;

WWW.HARWOODARTCENTER.ORG • GALLERY@HARWOODARTCENTER.ORG 25

ABOUT HARWOOD ART CENTER & ESCUELA DEL SOL MONTESSORI HARWOOD ART CENTER’S GALLERIES are dedicated to providing exhibition, audience expansion and professional development opportunities to artists. Harwood Staff curate four exhibitions annually; the remaining months are awarded to individuals and groups through a competitive application process. Harwood, the outreach program of Escuela del Sol Montessori, is a creative center for community and the arts. We believe that equitable access to the arts and opportunities for creative expression are integral to inspired, passionate individuals and to healthy, vibrant communities. Participating at a grassroots level, we recognize and engage the arts as a catalyst for lifelong learning, social change and community development. We provide art education for all ages; community outreach projects and events; teaching and apprenticeship opportunities; and studios, exhibitions and professional development programs for both emerging and established artists. For 50 years, Escuela del Sol, an independent Montessori school, has nurtured self-discovery, social responsibility and passion for learning in our students. Each day Escuela supports students from ages 18 months to 13 years on their real-world quests to excel academically and to develop the skills they need for meaningful, happy and successful futures. Harwood and Escuela are dedicated to instilling a passion for lifelong learning, creative expression and positive impact on our world.

HARWOOD ART CENTER’S OFFICIAL GALLERY & EXHIBITION PHOTOGRAPHER We are so thrilled to have an official harwood photographer for our galleries program this year! We are able to resource artists paid contracts thanks to the Urban Enhcnacement Trustfund, New Mexico Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, and the McCune Foundation.

Aziza Murray is a New Mexico based artist working primarily in photography. In 2015 she graduated with an MFA from the University of New Mexico where she also worked as a pictorial archiving fellow for the Center for Southwest Research. Since then, Aziza has worked in different capacities in the film industry in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, further piquing her interest in cinematography. Much of her work stems from a well of nostalgia for objects and moments, the materiality of photography, and her personal history—from experiencing tragic loss at an early age, to her multilayered experiences as a biracial person growing up in Washington, DC. She has shown her work in DC at Connersmith and the Corcoran Gallery of Art, in Albuquerque at the Harwood Art Center, the UNM Art Museum and the National Hispanic Cultural Center and, at MASS Gallery in Austin, TX. azizamurray.com azizamurray@gmail.com

WWW.HARWOODARTCENTER.ORG · 505.242.6367 · 1114 7th NW, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87102