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UID:whats-on/events/sam-talks-beyond-mysticism-the-modern-northwest-jun-11@sam.org
DTSTAMP:20260429T052513Z
DTSTART:20260612T013000Z
DTEND:20260612T030000Z
SUMMARY:SAM Talks | Beyond Mysticism: The Modern Northwest
DESCRIPTION:How do artistic communities shape institutions—and how do institutions\, in
  turn\, shape culture? Grounded in the Pacific Northwest and inspired by Be
 yond Mysticism: The Modern Northwest\, this timely panel discussion explore
 s the role of artists\, curators\, and cultural producers in shaping museum
 s and creative ecosystems.\nDrawing on the exhibition’s focus on modern Nor
 thwest artists and the creative communities that sustained them\, this conv
 ersation examines how local artists navigate systems of access\, gatekeepin
 g\, and accountability today. Panelists will reflect on who gets to curate 
 culture\, how artists of color challenge and redefine institutional structu
 res\, and what “community” means in an era of heightened public critique.\n
 Moderated by curator and cultural producer John Wesley\, the panel brings t
 ogether artists\, curators\, and scholars whose work bridges local practice
  and national discourse\, offering insight into how communities—not just in
 stitutions—shape artistic legacy in the Northwest.\nArrive early at 6 pm to
  snag your seat!\nMeet the panelists\nCristina Martinez is a Seattle-based 
 artist from Tacoma\, whose work honors the strength and resilience of the M
 exican women who raised her. Drawing inspiration from her mother\, grandmot
 her\, and aunts\, her paintings—ranging from portraits to abstract pieces—f
 ocus on Black and Brown women\, celebrating visibility and empowerment. Her
  viral Water Me series transformed personal heartbreak into universal reson
 ance\, and her work spans sold-out exhibitions\, a 52-foot mural at 3 World
  Trade Center\, album covers\, and collaborations with Nordstrom\, Disney\,
  and Spotify. Across intimate works and monumental projects\, Cristina crea
 tes art that reveals beauty in unexpected places\, rooted in resilience and
  personal narrative.\nGabriel‑Bello Díaz\, also known as GABO\, is a Puerto
  Rican multidisciplinary artist\, designer\, educator\, and community organ
 izer based in Seattle whose work bridges architecture\, digital fabrication
 \, and fine art to explore ancestry\, identity\, and futurism. With degrees
  in architectural engineering\, sustainability\, and robotics\, Díaz uses d
 igital fabrication\, leatherwork\, painting\, beading\, clay\, and immersiv
 e technologies to craft pieces that honor cultural narratives\, from his Ef
 ficio design studio to his Mi Gente series. He has curated fashion shows\, 
 founded the AntiSocial editorial\, and organized exhibitions and mentorship
  programs supporting emerging artists\, while also teaching and leading art
 s‑focused community programs. His work has been shown at venues including t
 he Seattle Art Museum and Seattle Waterfront\, and he continues to blend tr
 adition with innovation to uplift cultural memory and care through art.\nIf
  you're taking advantage of admission discounts\, please call our Customer 
 Service Center at 206.654.3210.
LOCATION:Seattle Art Museum\, 1300 1st Ave\, Seattle\, WA 98101
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