She Opens the Door: Women Artists and Writers Shape Language and Space

Curated by Poet-in-Residence Chloe Martinez, She Opens the Door is a group show of contemporary artists exploring female agency at the intersection of language and art. The exhibition will feature artists from the Claremont and San Gabriel Valley communities, as well as Southern California at large. In addition to selecting artworks, Martinez will also provide poetry and writing to supplement the exhibition and invite other creative writers to contribute.

Language is crucial for exploring female autonomy and its relationship to the structures of patriarchy. As James Baldwin stated, “…the root function of language is to control the world by describing it.” Language is the filter through which we comprehend our reality and assert our agency. Language extends beyond written words on a page. The language of visual art is intricately linked to verbal language and plays a significant role in shaping our thoughts and existence.