Debra Disman

Artist

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MEDIA

WHOSMUSEUM presents the “Visual Language of Modernity” at the Sasse Museum

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I am honored to participate in the upcoming exhibition:

“Visual Language of Modernity” is visioned to be a resourceful group exhibition showcasing contemporary artworks by international artists. The artworks have been chosen to provide a unique lens at the complexities and modernity of multi-cultural backgrounds and identities in globalization and diaspora. The exhibition will showcase a wide range of art forms, medias and materials, from traditional techniques to digital work and installation art. The exhibition has been designed to reflect the multi-aspects of modern creation.

In collaboration with Whosmuseum and Sasse Museum of Art, the “Visual Language of Modernity” will take place in the  Sasse Museum of Art located in the diverse-cultural Downtown Pomona Arts Colony at 300 S. Thomas St., Pomona.
The exhibition will run from February 1st to February 22nd, 2025.

“Visual Language of Modernity,” a juried exhibition masterfully curated by Shuai Xu, emerges as a groundbreaking showcase of contemporary artworks that challenges our understanding of identity in an increasingly interconnected world. This international exhibition brings together artists whose works navigate the complex intersection of tradition, displacement, and cultural evolution in our globalized society.” —Sasse Museum of Art

The local art community and world-wide art lovers are encouraged to experience this dynamic exploration of  art, culture, and aesthetic presentations emerging from multi-cultural artists’ communities, their artistic languages integrated with innovation and modernity.

I am pleased to be showing:

“Concurrencies I: Charlotte Salomon Eva Hesse”, 2022, 58 x 19.5″, denim, varnish, hemp cord, gold thread

I am looking forward to seeing all the other works in the show, and how they work together, I am sure, in good company.

 

The Hera Rewrites HER/OUR Story

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“Writer Elizabeth Lesser asks “What story would Eve have told about picking the apple? Why is Pandora blamed for opening the box? And what about the fate of Cassandra who was blessed with knowing the future but cursed so that no one believed her?”

Flipping through the pages of your high school history textbook, how many stories are written about women as monumental protagonists? When was the last time you watched a movie that passed the Bechdel test? When was the last time there were more women than men on the Supreme Court voting on the right to our bodies? 

As brands of “faux” feminism partnered with consumerist culture push out media representing women’s liberation through a patriarchal gaze, how can we reclaim the visual language to share more authentic stories? How can our art share the stories of women, trans women, and non-binary folks written out of the history books? How does your work give voice to the overlooked and underrepresented? 

Hera Gallery presents 52 works that rewrite this cultural consciousness for a more inclusive human history.”

Please see the SHOW here!

I am honored to have two pieces in this salient year-long online exhibition, and participate in a small way, in Rewriting Her/Our/Their Story.

“White Zip”, 2020, 21.25″ x 20.5″ x .25″, canvas, acrylic paint, lace, zipper, hemp cord, linen thread, wood

“Into The Bush“, 2020, 11 x 19 x 7 , book board, canvas, sewing thread, acrylic paint

Please see the SHOW here!

The HERa Rewrites HER/OUR Story

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I am thrilled to participate in the Hera Gallery’s year long, 52-piece online show, “Rewriting her Story“

“Writer Elizabeth Lesser asks “What story would Eve have told about picking the apple? Why is Pandora blamed for opening the box? And what about the fate of Cassandra who was blessed with knowing the future but cursed so that no one believed her?”

Flipping through the pages of your high school history textbook, how many stories are written about women as monumental protagonists? When was the last time you watched a movie that passed the Bechdel test? When was the last time there were more women than men on the Supreme Court voting on the right to our bodies? 

As brands of “faux” feminism partnered with consumerist culture push out media representing women’s liberation through a patriarchal gaze, how can we reclaim the visual language to share more authentic stories? How can our art share the stories of women, trans women, and non-binary folks written out of the history books? How does your work give voice to the overlooked and underrepresented? 

Hera Gallery presents 52 works that rewrite this cultural consciousness for a more inclusive human history.”

I am honored to have two pieces in this salient exhibition, and to participate in a small way, in Rewriting Her/Our/Their Story.

 

Please see the SHOW in its entirety HERE.

My works in the show:
WHITE ZIP

and
INTO THE BUSH

Please see the SHOW here.

“Adapting through Curiosity and Connection with Debra Disman”: My Podcast with Alyson B. Stanfield/Art Biz Success!

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I was thrilled to have this conversation with the one and only Alyson B. Stanfield of Art Biz Success, someone I have admired and followed for a long time!
Some of the points we cover:

“In this episode of The Art Biz, Debra shares her journey, revealing how she has navigated this transition with resilience.

Throughout our conversation, several key themes emerge:

  • Debra’s fierce curiosity that drives her to explore and understand her surroundings.
  • Her drive to pursue new opportunities, no matter the obstacles.
  • The critical role of networking and the connections she’s made along the way.
  • The power of making consistent progress, even through small, daily actions.
  • The importance of staying adaptable in an ever-changing world.”

Please click the link below to hear, see and read about our conversation. I hope it holds some gold for YOU.

Adapting through Curiosity and Connection with Debra Disman (ep. 202)

Showing (love) Around

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We Are Doing It All Wrong, Edward A. Dixon Gallery, Dayton, OH, Juror/Curator: Ed Dixon:   “The exhibition is a challenge to artists and viewers to recognize, react and learn about the many ways humanity continually fails itself.  These issues are not always mainstream and sometimes are hidden.” Jurors: Ed Dixon/Stacy Kranitz/Judith L. Huacuja
See the SHOW!
See the VIDEO!

It is not only a joy to “show around” in group exhibitions at various venues around the country, it is a gratifying, enriching  experience,  and a heartwarming one at that, to discover, interact with and support so many inspiring and dedicated individuals,  organizations, endeavors, missions and visions. I meet new folks, but also “run into” friends and colleagues that “show up” in some of the same places: showing at some of the the same shows, sharing in some of the same artist talks and panels, featured in some of the same catalogues and publications. It is exciting to connect, and see both not only an overlap of interests materially and thematically, but also how we all approach things differently, and can learn from one another.

For example, I am currently showing at:
Word and Weft: Visualizing the Word, Webster Arts, Webster Groves, MO, Juror: Noriko Yuasa 
Women. Defining Our Representation, Black House Artist, Juror/Curator: Ellen Mattesi (online)  
We Are Doing It All Wrong, Edward A. Dixon Gallery, Dayton, OH, Jurors: Ed Dixon/Stacy Kranitz/Judith L. Huacuja 
Evidence of Joy, Intersect Arts Center, Saint Louis, MO, Curator: April Parvitz  
Soliloquy, presented by The Bridge Arts Foundation at The Scholarts Selection, San Gabriel, CA
Jurors: Charles Christopher Hill, Xin Song, Curator: Tia Xu  
Whisper, Verum Ultimum Gallery, Portland, OR, Curator: Jennifer Gullia Cutshall  (catalogue)
Interplay, presented by the Surface Design Association at The Dairy Barn Arts Center O’Bleness Gallery, Athens, OH,  Juror: Annet Couwenberg
Northern National Art Competition, Nicolet College Art Gallery, Rhinelander, WI, Juror: Debra Brehmer 
The Circular Ritual of Spring, BG Gallery, Santa Monica, CA, Curator: Susan Lizotte (online)

And earlier this year:
Midway Marvels,ArtBarLA, Los Angeles, CA, Curator: Randi Matushevitz
Materiality Matters, Umpqua Valley Arts, Roseville, OR, Juror Panel: UVA Staff and Pacific NW professionals
Pulp: Book and Paper Arts, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Sebastopol, CA, Juror: Donna Seager
Fantastic Fibers 2024, Yeiser Art Center, Paducah, KY, Juror: Sandro Tiberi, (catalogue) 
String Theory, The Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth, MA, Curator: Molly Demeulenaere  
Art of the Word, Sasse Museum of Art, Pomona, CA, Jurors: Fatemeh Burnes, Maurice Quillinan, Niamh Cunningham (catalogue)
By the Book,  Artopia Gallery, Arcadia, CA, Curator: Rosie Getz

Through this experience I am able to be exposed to and interact with :
Individuals: artists, curators, critics, collectors, gallery, museum, art center, library and academic/university directors/staff (on all different levels of responsibility and experience and in varying roles,  offices and positions)
Organizations: galleries, museums, art centers, universities/academic institutions, artist studios and alternative spaces (of different sizes, renown, reputation, influence and “status” in the “art world” and world at-large)

I plan to highlight and share about various of these individuals and entities over the next several posts. I will share particularly about Art Centers, which are an enormous source of vitality, creation, care and joy throughout the country and beyond. xxxooo

I begin with Gallerist Ed Dixon, in whose show We Are Doing It All Wrong I am honored to be in.  Presented at the Edward A. Dixon Galleryin Dayton, OH. Of the show says Owner/Curator: Ed Dixon:  “The exhibition is a challenge to artists and viewers to recognize, react and learn about the many ways humanity continually fails itself.  These issues are not always mainstream and sometimes are hidden.” The illustrious jurors Ed Dixon/Stacy Kranitz/Judith L. Huacuja hold a wealth of knowledge, expertise, care and passion among them in addition to many accomplishments.

In a time of such fraught difference, fear, and loathing, it is heartening and illuminating to see and be a part of all of these individuals and entities, making a difference. I have to feel that that all of our work, no matter what the outcome, does make a difference.

Thank you to You all.

 

 

 

Women. Defining our Representation: SEE THE SHOW!

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Women. Defining Our Representation
See the show HERE!

Women. Defining Our Representation
“Women. Defining our Representation” is an exhibition of 31 pieces from 31 woman artists that celebrates the multiplicity of women’s identities, individuality, complexity, and worth. It inspires reflection, understanding and empathy for the diverse and authentic experiences of women by acknowledging accomplishments, reclaiming narratives, exploring gender expression, and sharing personal realities.” – Ellen Mattesi  Director, Black House Artist

Black House Artist is a network dedicated to empowering women artists through exhibition opportunities, professional development, art history education, and creative equality. 

SEE THE SHOW HERE!

I am showing  “Into The Bush”, 11 x 19 x 7 , book board, canvas, sewing thread, acrylic paint


Juror:  Ellen Mattesi, Director, Black House Artist
Ellen Mattesi is an artist and entrepreneur.  She has been immersed in many facets of the professional art world for over 30 years.  Within her own fine art and creative career, she has built and managed art institutions, curated exhibitions, mentored artists in technical expertise and business skills, and fostered creativity for the ethnically and mentally diverse.  This experience has culminated in a passion for championing the success and advancement of women artists. With Black House Artist, she continues this mission through education and activism with a network of artists, collectors, curators, and scholars.

Black House Artist is a network dedicated to empowering women artists through exhibition opportunities, professional development, art history education, and creative equality. Black House Artist supports the professional and personal autonomy of women.  A portion of the profits from this show will be donated to Abortion Freedom Fund https://abortionfreedomfund.org/ and Planned Parenthood https://www.plannedparenthood.org/ Through the purchase of artwork, or by individual donation, please support the rights of women through your economic  power. Thank you for your consideration.