Layers of Life
Artist-in-Residence, Ricardo Roig, developed his unique hand-cut fine art technique while at Kean University. Layers of Life, the title of his solo exhibition as the Galleries at Kean artist-in-residence, is a play on words. Not only does it describe his artistic process, in part, but it also captures a snapshot of his personal philosophy as well.
Opens on January 25, 2024.
Artist-in-Residence Ricardo Roig
Ricardo Roig, Kean University alumnus, becomes the next artist-in-residence at Kean University from Fall 2023 through Spring 2024. In honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Roig will paint a mural celebrating those who have advocated for human rights throughout history, and the many figures who have participated in the Human Rights Institute's annual conference at Kean University.
Esconderte del mundo y en ti mismo esconderte
Jacoub Reyes is an interdisciplinary artist based in Central and South Florida, primarily working in printmaking and large-scale installation. His work utilizes experimental techniques to unravel his complex mixed-cultural heritage to build an imagined future based on belonging and resistance.
Athena LaTocha: Mesabi Redux
Athena LaTocha (Lakota and Ojibwe) created the works in her Mesabi series on-site at iron deposits in the Mesabi Mountain Range of northern Minnesota, which is known to the local Ojibwe as Misaabe-wajiw, “Giant Mountain” or “Sleeping Giant.” The range is the site of the one of the world’s largest open-pit iron ore mines. LaTocha cast iron reliefs during a month-long residency, coordinated by the MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids and supported by the Minnesota Museum of Mining in Chisholm, where iron mining started in the 1880s and continues today.
East Meets West
This exhibition offers spectacular images of Meiji-era Japan: the landscape, from Mount Fuji to tranquil gardens and wooded paths; the traditional Japanese caste system, from daimyos (feudal lords) to Shinto priests; the pleasure-seeking Floating World, featuring the arts and allurement of geishas; portraits of workers, from jinrikisha (‘rickshaw’) drivers to child acrobats; the all-vital cycle of rice cultivation; daily life, from bustling cities to the rituals of weddings and funerals; and historic monuments, from giant Buddhas to ancient pagodas.
The Galleries on News 12
News 12 New Jersey profiled the Galleries at Kean! Executive Director Lynette Zimmerman discussed our latest exhibitions and the vision behind our gallery spaces.
Featured Exhibitions
Artist-in-Residence, Ricardo Roig, developed his unique hand-cut fine art technique while at Kean University. Layers of Life, the title of his solo exhibition as the Galleries at Kean artist-in-residence, is a play on words. Not only does it describe his artistic process, in part, but it also captures a snapshot of his personal philosophy as well.
"I want to be a catalyst for change—to create an equitable community around different modes of practice, decolonize education and eliminate gatekeeping to encourage critical thought and discourse at any stage, and open museum and institutional spaces to self-taught artists and curators that highlight underserved and marginalized voices." - Jacoub Reyes
Athena LaTocha (Lakota and Ojibwe) created the works in her Mesabi series on-site at iron deposits in the Mesabi Mountain Range of northern Minnesota, which is known to the local Ojibwe as Misaabe-wajiw, “Giant Mountain” or “Sleeping Giant.” The range is the site of the one of the world’s largest open-pit iron ore mines. LaTocha cast iron reliefs during a month-long residency, coordinated by the MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids and supported by the Minnesota Museum of Mining in Chisholm, where iron mining started in the 1880s and continues today.
Winbury’s Field of Green series are bold action work. She moves across the canvas with decisive gestural movements, allowing her intention, and subconscious to drive pigment stick strikes and brush strokes.
Rooted in her Caribbean and African heritage, spirituality and identity, Heather Williams’ work explores the concept of damage and repair. Known for her abstract paintings, figurative sculpture, and film, Williams’ artistic voice is clear, purposeful, and unwavering. An introspective person with a thoughtful narrative to share with the world, she does not shy away from difficult subject matter.
The exhibition Hemingway in Comics provides a unique and entertaining lens for considering one of America’s most influential authors through themes that explore his origin story as well as his legendary iconic personas, both fact and fiction.
Hours
Karl and Helen Burger Gallery
Monday-Friday 10 AM-4 PM
Nancy Dryfoos Gallery
Monday-Friday 10 AM-4 PM
Human Rights Institute Gallery
Monday-Friday 10 AM-4 PM *Opening October 2, 2023
Liberty Hall Academic Center (LHAC) gallery
Monday-Friday 10 AM-4 PM