About

Situated on the cusp of another pivotal election, poetics of dissonance presents eighteen artists from the SMoCA collection whose work navigates the tumultuous landscape of socio-political discourse and resolutely confronts hot-button issues—from immigration to colonialism—in an open invitation for dialogue and introspection, even amidst a cacophony of discord. Whether comedic, cynical, polarizing, or deeply personal, each artwork in the exhibition serves as a vital conduit for open discourse, underscoring the complexities of power, identity, and activism standing at the center of the cultural and political zeitgeists that have dominated recent decades. From Enrique Chagoya’s deeply provocative Loyalty (2003) to Faith Ringgold’s haunting Under a Blood Red Sky #7 (2006) to Alfred Quiroz’s shockingly irreverent Columbus Introduces Eurocentric Philosophy to America (1992), poetics of dissonance is a vivid reminder of art’s enduring capacity to challenge, provoke, and inspire.

Newly on view: Nina Katchadourian’s artwork Monument to the Unelected (2008–ongoing) has been re-installed in connection to poetics of dissonance for the remainder of the current presidential election cycle.  Originally commissioned for SMoCA’s 10th anniversary, Monument to the Unelected has been exhibited during every presidential election cycle since 2008—both on public sites and in museums and galleries—spanning the time both before and after the election. This year, after the election results have been determined, the 60th loser’s sign will once again be added to the group. The installation will be on view out in the community at 2506 North 13th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006 , in the yard of a private residence near the cross streets of Thomas Road and 12th Street until December. You can find more information on the artwork, the artist, and the installation here.

Featuring artwork by Dominique Blain, John Cage, Enrique Chagoya, Sue Coe, Luis Cruz Azaceta, Betty Drake, Rupert Garcia, Luis Jimenez, Nina Katchadourian, Annette Lemieux, Jacob Meders, Pedro Meyer, Malaquías Montoya, Alfred Quiroz, Nancy Reitkopf, Faith Ringgold, Mel Roman, and Ian Van Coller.

Organized by Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and curated by Keshia Turley, assistant curator, with assistance provided by Kadence Gonzalez and Sophia Bailey, curatorial interns.