Kansas City’s Leedy-Voulkos Art Center Debuts Thought-Provoking “Postscript” Exhibition Examining Prominent Social Issues

Kansas City Welcomes “Postscript” Exhibition at Leedy-Voulkos Art Center

The Leedy-Voulkos Art Center in Kansas City introduces an exciting and thought-provoking multimedia exhibition titled “PostScript”. Pulling from the rich collection of Elizabeth Oran, on loan from collectors Dwight Smith and Beth Low-Smith, the exhibition holds the works of six diverse artists who use their creations to make compelling statements about critical social issues.

Exploring a Continuation of Conversation

“PostScript” isn’t a one-off exhibit, rather it continues a conversation that began with the spring 2023 exhibit from the Smith’s collection titled “Words and Silences” at Plug Gallery. This dialogue explores the relationship between text and image in art, and how messages are received through visual cues. The exhibit’s curator, artist Cesar Lopez, emphasizes that “PostScript” holds particular significance in the Smith’s collection for its keen focus on underrepresented artists and discussions.

Delving into the Works of Sumire Skye Taniai

Upon inaugural entry into the gallery, one may be taken aback by the powerful pieces by Sumire Skye Taniai, an Asian-American artist who skillfully uses collages to broach such subjects as the current contentious political climate, racial injustices, immigration, assimilation and Asian stereotypes. Taniai’s photomontage “This is My Successful Face,” defies stereotypes by meshing elements of prison culture with immigrant restaurant workers in an unexpected synchrony. Through this, she invites viewers to redefine their understanding of these seemingly disparate entities.

Discovering Fresh Perspectives

“PostScript” is brimming with unique artistic statements like that of artist Carlos Salazar Lermont’s “Ecclesiastés 1:9.” In this series, he provides a visual narrative of a five-day private performance through photography, inviting viewers to delve into a shifting image, continually reshaped by the interaction between viewer and the work.

The inclusion of artists like Marylu Herrera adds a refreshing take to the dialogue in her piece “Antojitos”. Using unconventional mediums like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos bags and Celosa ribbon, Herrera comments on women’s craft and familial memory. Other artists adding to the vibrant conversation include Samantha Haan, Alej Martinez, and Kiki Serna who each contribute their unique perspectives through works in Phototex, poetry, and video respectively.

A Gathering of New Connections

“PostScript” not only offers an immersive exploration into various social issues but also sparks significant dialogue between artists and viewers about communication and the role visual media plays in it. It is an exhibition that pushes boundaries and challenges perceptions, with each piece proving to be a stepping stone to a more nuanced understanding of our day and age.

The exhibition will be running at Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, 2012 Baltimore Ave., through July 13. Be sure to stop by and experience a fresh take on visual communication and the social issues of our time.