RAM Showcase Exhibition Series
Installation view of RAM Showcase: Objects
Photography: Tyler Potter
RAM Showcase exhibitions highlight the work of contemporary artists of color.
In this moment in time, it is critical that RAM spotlights voices that have been historically underrepresented, such as women and artists of color. Artists of color are identified in this context as non-white and non-European. This simplification, which is arguably a flawed starting point, does not account for the nuances and variations of society. It is a beginning—a way to direct those who want to educate themselves about what is possible when new perspectives are encountered.
While the work of artists of color has been and will continue to be shown in a variety of contexts at both campuses, the Showcase series highlights conversations around equity, inclusion, and social justice. This means underscoring the presence of the work of artists of color, primarily from the collection as well as, at times, featuring artists addressing critical social and cultural issues across a broad spectrum.
Further, as an educational institution rooted in the humanities and using art as a catalyst, the museum wants to encourage inquiry and exploration about the world in which we live. RAM hopes spotlighting artists of color spurs further engagement with these artists and their ideas.
RAM is committed to supporting diverse voices—whether that diversity reflects race, gender, heritage, ethnicity, sexuality, age, ability, social standing, or world perspective.
All RAM Showcase Exhibitions
RAM Showcase: Objects
The unifying theme of this exhibition is that the works presented are objects—sculptural, functional, or both—made by artists from diverse backgrounds, all residing within the United States. Subject matter varies—from material exploration to personal narrative to function. While this work is not directly issue-oriented, the fact that the makers themselves, as artists of color, have experienced a wide range of implicit and explicit biases is a subcontext worthy of consideration. Seen through that lens, the story these objects tell is even more complex.
RAM Showcase: Abstraction
This show—part of the new RAM Showcase series of exhibitions—highlights contemporary artists of color whose work addresses intellectual, philosophical, and spiritual concepts through abstraction.
RAM Showcase: Focus on Glass
This exhibition spotlights glass as an art medium but, more importantly, in some ways, calls attention to the work of contemporary artists of color from RAM’s collection. While neither of these two threads are unique ones at RAM, this is the first exhibition dedicated to featuring only artists of color working with this material.
RAM Showcase: Russell T. Gordon and James Tanner
This exhibition—part of the RAM Showcase series—highlights the work of artists Russell T. Gordon and James Tanner, both of whom were educators with significant positions in their respective universities. While both of their works have been shown at RAM before, this exhibition is an opportunity to share more about the artists—reflecting a few moments of intersection between them.
RAM Showcase: Four Jewelers and the Artists of Color Acquisition Fund
Part of the recently formed RAM Showcase exhibition series, this first show to focus solely on new artists of color in the collection features the work of Lorena Angulo, Tanya Crane, Seulgi Kwon, and Georgina Treviño
RAM Showcase: Focus on Clay
Part of the RAM Showcase exhibition series, Focus on Clay centers on the work of artists of color and those represented here specifically reflect a range of artistic practices and approaches. Taken collectively, these objects represent multiple decades of working with clay.
