This week, GBH Executive Arts Editor Jared Bowen discusses a great loss to Ukrainian culture, a new exhibit celebrating indigenous artists, and a sea of climate troubles.
Maria Prymachenko
Beloved Ukranian Artist whose work was formerly on view at the Ivankiv Historical and Local HIstory Museum
On Feb. 25, the works of artist Maria Prymachenko were targeted in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Ivankiv Historical and Local History Museum, which housed 25 works by the artist, was burned to the ground. In response, Ukraine's culture minister called on UNESCO to revoke Russia's membership in the international organization.
The self-taught artist's paintings were lauded in her country, with some of her works appearing on Ukranian stamps during the 1970s. "She's an artist who was beloved by Picasso, by Marc Chagall, and they're just gone," said Bowen. Maria Prymacheko was honored with the 1966 Taras Shevchenko National Prize of Ukraine. UNESCO declared that 2009 was the year of Maria Prymachenko.
Each/Other: Marie Watt and Cannupa Hanska Luger
On view at the Peabody Essex Museum through May 8
Artists Marie Watt and Cannupa Hanska Luger are both known for their ability to create a sense of community within their work. Their exhibit, “Each/Other,” brings that connection to the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. Bowen describes the pair as "artists who really kind of crowdsource and bring people together in order to make their art."
Watt, an enrolled citizen of the Seneca nation with German-Scots ancestry, is known for her textile work. Much of her artistry is inspired by the sewing circles she hosts with her community.
Cannupa Hanska Luger’s work is also heavily informed by a sense of community. Hanska Luger, an enrolled citizen of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation with Lakota and European heritage, gained traction with his Mirror Shield project, which provided artistic and practical support for Water Defenders at Standing Rock.
“Each/Other” continues this trend of strength and unity by featuring thousands of hand-stitched bandanas submitted by community members. The exhibition, first constructed in 2020, posed “massive” challenges for both artists, but ultimately made them think about “what it means together…allowing all of the bandanas to come together to become a surface.”
Ocean Filibuster
Now Playing at the Loeb Drama Center through March 13 and streaming from March 9 through March 27
"Ocean Filibuster" parodies the politics of today. The play takes audience members into the future, where a Senate chamber-like meeting for the Global Federation of Humans on Earth is taking place. On the docket is a bill addressing how the sea is in a state of chaos thanks to chemical dumping, dredging, and drilling. To address the situation, policymakers decide to shrink the ocean. But the ocean has objections, and she decides to enter the meeting and defend herself by filibustering.
The show features comedy, music and science lessons on all things ocean. "The opening part of this piece was a huge sucker punch to the gut," said Bowen. "I think we're aware of climate change and its ramifications, but when you see it really presented before you, especially theatrically, your stomach is definitely churning as you understand even more what we're facing."
Jared Bowen appears on Morning Edition every Thursday to talk all things arts, but you can also follow along by keeping up with his show, Open Studio.
