Now + There values varied perspectives on the meaning and purpose of art, taking care to curate a variety of artistic approaches, methods, and motivations. To that end, we invite guest curators to help diversify the temporary public artworks we commission and produce throughout Boston, including Boston-based independent curator Pedro Alonzo. We are delighted to welcome back Alonzo to curate a work within our 2020 theme of “Shared Power” and to create a second work for the wooded Central Wharf Park. The following is a reflection by Alonzo on Oscar Tuazon’s 2019 Growth Rings and the forthcoming To Each Era Its Art. To Art, Its Freedom. by Jose Dávila.
Growth Rings by Oscar Tuazon was conceived to draw attention to our relationship with nature considering our recent consciousness of climate change and the need for awareness of our inherent connection to the earth. Responding to the 24 oak trees in Central Wharf Park, the rings suggested natural cycles of life, creating a tangible and visible link between the surrounding elements, from the roots to the treetops.
Oscar Tuazon’s Growth Rings, 2019
In contrast, the 21 custom-made concrete shapes that constitute To Each Era Its Art. To Art, Its Freedom. by Jose Dávila reflects on the notion of construction among the living trees. The choice of material and their distribution through space speaks of a deep meditation upon modernity and the environment. A complex relationship between what humankind has built, in relation to what is given by nature.
Both Oscar Tuazon and Jose Dávila highlight the concept — or the need — of balance between individuals, and the different elements that shape the world. Tuazon through our inextricable connection with the planet we inhabit, and the need to remark on our participation in global warming as we grow increasingly distant from nature. Dávila through making evident the potential balance between the environment, and the set of ideas that constitute a modern lifestyle.
In addition, “community” is also a central concept for the two artists. The artworks emerge as indications of the interactions between different elements for the purpose of building a common space, which can be accessed by everyone.
Rendering of To Each Era its Art. To Art, Its Freedom by Jose Dávila.
If the pandemic has taught us any lessons, it has been the power to rethink new possibilities, new ways of life, and also, the importance of connectivity. Art often helps us to expand the ability to observe and conceive of new worlds. Tuazon and Davila have helped us to visualize complex chains of interactions and connections, as well as to reflect on our conduct as humans, and finally to consider how to better shape our cities and public spaces.
Pedro Alonzo is a Boston-based independent curator. He is currently an Adjunct Curator at Dallas Contemporary. Since 2006 he has specialized in producing exhibitions that transcend the boundaries of museum walls and spill out into the urban landscape, addressing audiences beyond the traditional museum public.