DC Exhibitions Open During Government Shutdown

The presence of an oppressive National Guard and ICE in Washington, DC highlights ongoing tensions exacerbated by federal shutdowns and the Trump administration’s attempts to “clean up” the city by targeting public art and protests. Despite this, DC remains resilient, with thriving underground networks documenting these challenges, and retaliatory art forms like stickers and guerrilla art continuing to appear even after being repeatedly removed.

Art in DC is a catalyst for highlighting police brutality and border patrol issues, with significant exhibitions showcasing this dynamic:

1. **Ange Martial Méné at American University Museum**: The exhibition presents Ivorian artist Méné’s acrylic works, inspired by ancient cave paintings and Surrealism, invoking spiritual narratives and the natural world’s origins.

2. **Women Artists of the DMV**: This survey exhibition hosts over 400 artists, highlighting the diverse contributions of women in the creative space around Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

3. **Notes on Form at Georgetown University**: McArthur Binion’s abstract works layer personal documents to infuse figurative intimacy into his grid-style paintings.

4. **Enduring Traditions at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum**: Celebrating the centennial exhibition of textiles as essential cultural artifacts, showcasing their roles across various societal spectrums.

5. **Arab Pop Art at MEI Art Gallery**: Exploring the intersection of traditional Arab motifs within the framework of American Pop Art, this exhibition critiques cultural stereotypes and celebrates the multifaceted Arab identity through satire and political commentary.

These exhibitions underscore DC’s thriving art scene, even amid adversity, and emphasize the essential role of art in cultural discourse and resistance. Hyperallergic encourages readers to support independent journalism, promoting inclusive art narratives and empowered community voices.