#United States #Charlotte #Virginia Jaramillo #Bechtler Museum #American Abstraction

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art Presents "Virginia Jaramillo: Principle of Equivalence"

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is set to open a groundbreaking exhibition titled "Virginia Jaramillo: Principle of Equivalence" from February 8 to June 8, 2025. This marks the first major retrospective of the trailblazing Latina artist Virginia Jaramillo's six-decade career, showcasing an extensive collection of 70 artworks, including striking paintings and handmade paper pieces created between 1963 and 2023.

Significance of the Exhibition

This exhibition is a testament to the Bechtler's dedication to expanding the narrative of global modernism. It features Jaramillo's exceptional contributions to American post-war abstraction, as well as her innovative utilization of color, form, and materials in her art.

Curated by Erin Dziedzic, the exhibition first traveled to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, before making its way to Charlotte, North Carolina. Bechtler Curator Katia Zavistovski organized the presentation. "Virginia Jaramillo's work represents a vital yet underrecognized chapter in the story of American modernism," remarked Todd D. Smith, the Executive Director of Bechtler. He emphasized that Jaramillo's practice challenges traditional narratives of abstraction, showcasing diverse cultural perspectives that have shaped postwar art.

Virginia Jaramillo's Artistic Journey

Born in El Paso, Texas in 1939, Jaramillo's artistic exploration has taken her across major art scenes—from Los Angeles to Paris, and New York City—where she engaged with the dynamic downtown art scene of the 1960s and 1970s. Her work uniquely traverses the earthly and metaphysical realms, drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of sources including physics, mythology, and ancient cultures, alongside modernist design philosophies.

Jaramillo's oeuvre is organized into six distinct series, each depicting her creative evolution:

1. The Black Paintings (1963-1965): Early works that draw inspiration from the textures of California's desert earth.
2. The Paris Paintings (1965): This series highlights her pivotal year in Paris, reflecting her evolution in color palette and paint handling.
3. The Curvilinear Paintings (Late 1960s - Early 1970s): A breakthrough series characterized by precisely rendered lines flowing across large color fields.
4. The Stained Paintings (1970s): Comprising thin layers of paint creating aqueous surfaces.
5. Handmade Paper Works (1979-2000s): Featuring works made from pulverized linen and pigments, reminiscent of archaeological sites and the cosmos.
6. Recent Paintings (2018-2023): Contemporary pieces that continue to explore geographical and mythical realms.

Accompanying Publications and Events

In conjunction with the exhibition, a catalog published by Yale University Press will be available, featuring scholarly essays that delve into Jaramillo's techniques and her impact on contemporary abstraction.

The Bechtler Museum, located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, serves as a key player in the landscape of modern art. It not only showcases prominent artists like Picasso and Warhol but is also committed to highlighting underrepresented voices in modern art, ensuring that important narratives like Jaramillo's are brought to the forefront.

This exhibition is not merely a showcase of art; it represents a fresh chapter in acknowledging the significant contributions of Latina artists to the American art scene. Visitors can look forward to an enriching experience at the Bechtler Museum as they engage with the profound works of Virginia Jaramillo from February to June 2025.