516 Arts is currently showcasing the exhibit "New Worlds: New Mexico Women to Watch 2024," featuring the works of five prominent New Mexico women artists: Nikesha Breeze, Szu-Han Ho, Eliza Naranjo Morse, Jennifer Nehrbass, and Rose B. Simpson. This exhibition, which originated at the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) in Washington, DC, explores how women artists envision alternative realities and how societal conditions impact their artistic visions. Curated locally by Nancy Zastudil, the exhibit addresses themes such as racism, ancestry, justice, and the landscape, encouraging a ripple of responses to questions posed by the NMWA about the future and alternative realities.
The featured artists bring diverse perspectives to the exhibit. Nikesha Breeze's Afro-Centric work, including "Mutiny of Morning," reimagines healing intergenerational trauma through art and ritual. Jennifer Nehrbass creates visual collages that critique idealized imagery from social media. Eliza Naranjo Morse's "Light from Love" taps into her Indigenous heritage to explore themes of ancestry and futurism. Szu-Han Ho's multi-functional protest garment addresses migrant justice and family history, while Rose B. Simpson's mixed-media work translates personal experiences into physical sculptures. Each artist’s contribution highlights the unique and transformative power of art in envisioning new worlds.