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A Modern Public Square
Artwork Title: Agora 10
Artist: Cullen Washington, Jr.
2019, mixed media, courtesy the artist
In his Agoras series, artist Cullen Washington, Jr. combines recycled canvas, paper, tape, and found objects, resulting in complex and layered works that are largely two-dimensional and visually spectacular. The compositions explore the ancient Greek public space and the heart of the artistic, spiritual, and political lives of cities.

Washington's solo exhibition The Public Square opened at UMMA in January 2020 β€” and the artist recently sat down with Guest Curator Vera Grant for a virtual check-in to discuss how his work is evolving, and how abstraction can offer lessons of hope in times of crisis and division. In the interview, Washington talks about using art to nurture "the being part of us" in stressful times, rather than focusing on consumerism. "Art plays a vital role in our well-being," he says. 

Reflection Prompts:
  • In the interview, Washington said that "to make an abstract painting is liberty" because of the way it "flattens hierarchies" and, in his own practice, treats each material and method as equal. Which activities make you feel most liberated? How can you incorporate them into your life more often?
  • The above painting is part of Washington's Agoras series, where each piece is numbered. An agora is a gathering place for market exchange, and the word originally meant "to speak in the assembly," since it was the primary place of democracy and politics in ancient Greece. His series of prints (pictured below) follows a similar naming convention with the word "Aegina," which is the name of an island in southeastern Greece. Why do you think Washington chose to title his pieces in such an uncomplicated way? When you look at art, do you normally pay attention to the pieces' titles? Why or why not?
Artwork Title: Aegina 4
Artist: Cullen Washington, Jr.
2019, etching on paper, courtesy the artist
New Online Exhibition

Though in-person visits to The Public Square may have been cut short, online visitors are invited to explore Washington's works in a new digital extension of the exhibition now live on the UMMA Website. Not only can you zoom in close on each painting and etching, but you can also watch supplementary videos.
Interview with the Artist

How can abstract art address the idea of "liberty" and the Black Lives Matter movement? Why is it important to prioritize art-making as a way to alleviate anxiety and loneliness? How can art-making be considered a service to others, and if you’re not an artist, what acts of service can you do for your community instead? 
 
These are just a few of the ideas discussed by Guest Curator Vera Grant and artist Cullen Washington, Jr. Check out some of the interview's highlights in the post below.
Lead support for this exhibition is provided by Erica Gervais Pappendick and Ted Pappendick, Candy and Michael Barasch, the University of Michigan Office of the Provost, Office of the President, Michigan Medicine, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and the Institute for the Humanities. Additional generous support is provided by the University of Michigan Department of History of Art, School of Education, Department of Afroamerican and African Studies, School of Social Work, and Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. 
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