Atkinson Gallery hosts "Pacific Standard Time" artists talk

In conjunction with the SBCC Foundation, the Atkinson Gallery will introduce their project for “Pacific Standard Time,” in an art talk via Zoom, Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. Funded by the Getty Foundation, “Pacific Standard Time: Art x Science x L.A.” (scheduled to open in 2024) will include dozens of concurrent exhibitions, performances, publications and other programming by 45 prestigious Southern California institutions, all exploring the intersection of art and science.

The Atkinson Gallery project, “Cosmovisión Indígena: The Intersection of Indigenous Knowledge and Contemporary Art,” is a partnership with the Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation, and the Santa Barbara County Office of Art and Culture, with the support of Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project/ Proyecto Mixteco Indígena Organización Comunitaria (MICOP) and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

Whereas Mesoamerican dyeing and weaving are often categorized as crafts, that designation obscures the scientific and technical knowledge those processes require. Focusing on the production of traditional red dye (carmine) from the cochineal insect, “Cosmovisión Indígena” will trace the history, science, and contemporary uses of the cochineal dye-making process, while exploring the mythology, ritual and storytelling used to preserve and pass on this traditional knowledge. The project will establish an art lab and learning garden in Santa Barbara as well as a community research space in Oxnard, serving members of the Mixtec, Zapotec, and other indigenous communities from Oaxaca, Mexico, who have settled throughout Ventura County. There, younger Oaxacan-American artists will be able to learn the science, technology, and art of dyeing and weaving from experienced practitioners. The final exhibition will display pieces created in both sites alongside curated artworks by contemporary artists and community members.

Curated by John Connelly, Director, Atkinson Gallery; Frederick Janka, Executive Director, Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation, Ojai; and Audrey Lopez, Ph.D., Public Art & Engagement Curator, Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture, “Cosmovisión Indígena” also has two lead artist advisors: Tanya Aguiñiga of Los Angeles and Porfirio Gutiérrez of Ventura and Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Join the curators and artist advisors for this special talk via Zoom, Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. Register here in advance for this webinar:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.