Open Hands: Crafting the Spiritual at Saint Louis University’s Museum of Contemporary Religious Art contains works by six artists who use everyday materials, found objects, and elements of craft production to explore issues related to faith and spirituality, personal and cultural identity, and tradition and community.
Exhibition Details
Jan. 28 – May 19, 2024
Open Hands: Crafting the Spiritual assembles the work of six artists from across the country who use everyday materials, found objects, and elements of craft production to explore issues related to faith and spirituality, personal and cultural identity, and tradition and community. The exhibition includes artworks made from clay, fiber, fabric, photographs, paper, and ephemeral materials such as tin foil. The materials and techniques used reveal the close connections each artist has to the objects they make. Yet, the creative process transforms these highly personal expressions into artworks that speak to people of diverse backgrounds, inviting experiences of joy, connection, and community.
Artists whose works are showcased include Jenelle Esparza (Texas), Gabriel Garcia Roman (New York), Beliz Iristay (California/Mexico), Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt (New York), Gwendolyn A. Magee (Mississippi), and Michael Velliquette (Wisconsin).
Open Hands: Crafting the Spiritual is organized for MOCRA by René Paul Barilleaux, head of curatorial affairs at the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio.
Check out the Open Hands Gallery Guide for the full exhibition texts as well as additional material about the art and artists.
Join us for a talk by guest curator René Paul Barilleaux, exhibition Spotlight Tours, and more.