Exploring the Sonoran Desert’s Rich Tapestry at SMoCA
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has unveiled an intriguing new exhibition, “Desert Perspectives,” that invites visitors to explore the Sonoran Desert through a diverse collection of artworks. Featuring both historical and contemporary pieces, the exhibition highlights the evolving relationship between artists and this unique landscape.
Curated by Keshia Turley, assistant curator at SMoCA, the exhibit delves into the representation of the Sonoran Desert and the dynamic ways artists have responded to its changing face. “The premise behind it is really the representation of this region in the landscape and where artists have taken that, how artists have responded to it,” Turley explains. One notable piece in the collection is Lon Megargee’s iconic painting of Camelback Mountain from the 1920s, which serves as a poignant reminder of the landscape’s transformation over time.
The exhibition is designed to showcase a wide array of perspectives, with new responses being introduced throughout the year. This approach allows for an evolving conversation about the desert and the region. “We have so many new responses,” says Turley. “The exhibition is structured to continue throughout the year. And because it’s up for a year, there are going to be three different rotations of collection work within the space.”
In a blend of classic and contemporary, “Desert Perspectives” features the work of various artists, including Jen Urso, who engages with the landscape through a long-term performance in her own yard. This contrasts with historical works, creating a dialogue that reflects on the living nature of the collection. “It kind of places the collection more as like a living archive rather than just kind of a repository for objects,” Turley adds.
One of the exhibition’s unique elements includes artworks that incorporate actual pieces of the desert landscape. New York-based artist James Perkins, for instance, uses the land itself as a collaborator, burying silk pieces in the earth to create art in harmony with nature. “It’s really interesting to see kind of artists who are utilizing the landscape to create their work in a very different way,” Turley notes.
The exhibition poses questions about the sustainability and future of living in the desert, encouraging visitors to consider their own relationship with the landscape. “I hope that it makes people want to maybe go outside, appreciate the landscape a little bit more,” says Turley. The aim is not only to reflect on the past but also to ponder the region’s future.
“Desert Perspectives” will be on display at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art through early September of next year, offering ample opportunity for visitors to engage with this thought-provoking exploration of the Sonoran Desert.
For more information about the exhibit, visit Scottsdale Arts.
