Arts abound in the District this month, so be sure to catch these shows, featuring relief sculptures from local artists, an immersive experience and more.
Chee Keong Kung's "Slow Light X"
What a Relief: small relief sculptures
Traditional relief sculptures are a worldwide cultural staple, from ancient Egyptian tombs to this celebration of contemporary renditions. Inside The Phillips Collection’s satellite campus Phillips@THEARC in Southeast DC, admire 40 relief sculptures, all from artists in the greater DC area who range from age 15 to 81. A veritable treasure trove, visitors will love the elevated geometric forms of David Alfuth’s “Texture and Shapes No2” and analyze the smooth organic shapes glossed with vibrant pinks and purples of Patrick Craig’s “Convert.” Through March 18, 1801 Mississippi Ave. SE, 202.387.2151, phillipscollection.org/thearc
Weathering
Hoesy Corona (@hoesycorona) is the latest featured artist to join the Kreeger Museum’s guest artist exhibition program, whose work spans various media, including installation, performance and video. Corona’s work reflects on some of the most pressing issues of our time, such as isolation, class struggles and xenophobia. Showing curated multimedia, Weathering includes sculpted heads entitled “The Plant People” and “Climate Ponchos,” which are colorful, decorated ponchos worn in the performance series “Climate Immigrants” (2017-present). Through March 19, 2401 Foxhall Road NW, 202.337.3050, kreegermuseum.org
Toyin Ojih Odutola: A Countervailing Theory
Not only is Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden the only North American venue for A Countervailing Theory, but this exhibit, by Nigerian-American visual artist Toyin Ojih Odutola (toyinojihodutola.com), represents more than eight months of research and preparation. Explore 40 large monochromatic drawings, depicting an original, allegorical legend about power and culture in a prehistoric society. Using pastel, charcoal and chalk, striking white markings over black backgrounds flip traditional concepts of contrast. Be transported into this otherworldly story alongside Peter Adjaye’s 19-channel soundscape. Through April 3, Independence Ave. and Seventh St. SW, 202.633.1000, hirshhorn.si.edu
Lookout: MISS CHELOVE
At the National Museum of Women in the Arts, major building renovations provide a new canvas for larger-than-life art. See the first 60-by-40-foot installment in an ongoing series of enormous artworks draped over the building exterior’s ongoing refurbishments. For series one, the four-story high mural, created by DC-based artist MISS CHELOVE (@misschelove), represents a woman surrounded by Indonesian flora––speaking to the crucial role of women in environmental activism. Elements of street art and graffiti bleed from CHELOVE’s work, popping with vibrancy and style. March 25-July 31, 1615 M St. NW, Suite 200, 202.783.5000, nmwa.org
Watergate: Portraiture and Intrigue
The National Portrait Gallery installed a time machine––travel 50 years into the American past through this new exhibit focused on the notorious burglary and cover-up that culminated in President Richard Nixon’s resignation. Witness the Watergate scandal unfold via photographs, paintings, sculptures and other media comprising a visual biography. Exhibited works include the pink marble sculpture “Henry Kissinger and Richard Nixon” by Marisol Escobar, alongside artwork from political cartoonists and a selection from 40 relevant magazine covers. March 25-Sept. 5, Eighth and G streets NW, 202.633.8300, npg.si.edu
Photography by: Courtesy of Chee Keong Kung
