SPECTRA

Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts | Grand Rapids, Michigan

SPECTRA is an interdisciplinary group exhibition that explores theories of abstract art through multiple mediums. Each work has a foundation in abstract art theories, but dares to defer from traditionally accepted mediums, or offers insight into experimental modes of expression.

SPECTRA is presented at UICA concurrently with Relevant, an exhibition at the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM). Both exhibitions are curated by Juana Williams, UICA Exhibitions Curator. While SPECTRA examines a broad scope of abstraction, Relevant focuses on traditional abstract paintings and works on paper from GRAM’s collection. Relevant discusses historical and foundational narratives of abstraction; SPECTRA focuses on contemporary, experimental, and recently created works.

Relevant and SPECTRA are curated as a pair, speaking to one another, and filling in the gaps of each other. The exhibitions examine abstract art through both a historical and a contemporary lens.