MACON, Ga. – The McEachern Art Center, in collaboration with ACA Gallery in New York, presents “Vaivén” featuring the work of Afro-Caribbean figurative artist Kandy Lopez. The show will have an opening reception and artist talk on Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. and will run through March 29.
Lopez’s work explores constructed identities, telling the stories of people of color. Her current series is centered around large, yarn-based portraits on plastic canvas. Initially designed to be walked on like a rug, these pieces symbolize the marginalization of people of color in this country. In this exhibition, the portraits are elevated on gallery walls and suspended — transforming these works into symbols of strength, courage, and beauty, reclaiming space that often feels inaccessible.
Alongside these portraits, viewers will encounter large-scale paintings of silhouettes created with dots, reminiscent of pointillism. The audience will be encouraged to engage directly with the work and activate the space. This participatory element is central to the show’s title. “Vaivén” translates to “sway” or “movement,” emphasizing the tension between hesitation and action.
“The opportunity to present Kandy Lopez and work with ACA Gallery in New York brings a fresh perspective for Maconites,” said Johnny Cohen, director of the MAC. “It’s not every day that we have the opportunity to see fiber art and mixed media at this scale. Kandy’s research on identities and exclusion is a powerful message for audiences to hear.”
Lopez, a Florida native, is an associate professor at NOVA Southeastern University. According to her artist statement, as an Afro-Caribbean visual artist, Lopez is eager to be challenged materialistically and metaphorically when representing marginalized individuals that inspire and move her. Her works are created “out of the necessity to learn something new about her people and culture.” Lopez is interested in developing a nostalgic dialogue between the artwork and the viewer. The statement concludes, “If she’s not learning from her materials and how it affects the message, it’s not worth creating.”
“Vaivén” will have an opening reception during downtown Macon’s First Friday on Feb. 7 from 6-8 p.m. The MAC is located at 332 2nd Street, Macon, and has regular operating hours Thursday-Saturday from 4-8 p.m. Admission is always free and open to the public. Media and educators may access the gallery outside of normal hours by appointment by emailing [email protected]. Find out more at macmacon.com.