On view March 6 – May 29, 2021
Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (Tephra ICA) presents Quantum Shift featuring work by light and space artist Gisela Colón. This is the first solo exhibition of the artist’s work in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region. A virtual opening reception and artist talk will be held on March 18 at 6pm.
Gisela Colón (b. 1966) introduces mutable, transformational qualities in her practice using a unique sculptural language of Organic Minimalism. Colón produces objects that are seamless, featuring little to no edges, lines, or place for the viewer to rest their eye, nodding towards an energy of constant fluctuation and growth. Made from carbon fiber material using advanced aerospace technology, the “Pods,” “Monoliths,” and “Ellipsoids,” are light-weight yet durable objects, both from this earth and not of this earth, birthed from a symbiosis of high art and physical science.
Liquid Square (Uranium), 2020 Blow-molded acrylic
20 x 20 x 8 inches
The word “quantum,” relating to energy contained in matter within the universe, paired with the word “shift” referencing a physical change in movement or space, together symbolize a change in consciousness. Colón’s choice of the exhibition title brings vital attention to her belief in the power of interconnectivitity and the idea that the capabilities of the human race lie beyond a specific gender. To complement the conceptual, the viewer will experience the synergistic shift of form, color, movement, and time, as they explore the works in person or virtually. Quantum Shift is emblematic in positing the dawn of a new era, serving as a symbol for hope, and acting as a vehicle for positive transformation and renewal for the future.
Blow-molded acrylic
42 x 58 x 12 inches
Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Gisela Colón currently lives and works in Los Angeles, California.
Quantum Shift is sponsored by Leidos and will include an online viewing room, a video-walkthrough, and a series of public programs – to be announced soon. While Tephra ICA remains closed to the public, limited appointments, including those for press and media, are available. To schedule, please contact Sofia Blom at sblom@tephraica.org. For more information please visit tephraica.org.
Unidentified Object (Slaboid Incandescent Gold), 2020 Aurora particles, stardust, cosmic radiation, intergalactic matter, ionic waves, organic carbamate, gravity, and time
96.5 x 10 x 5 inches
Opening Reception and Artist Talk: March 18, 6pm.
The presentation will be followed by a Q&A. FREE and open to the public. RSVP in advance at info@tephraica.org for Zoom Room link and password. Sponsored by Reston Community Center.
All images courtesy of Gisela Colón Studio.
About Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art
Formerly Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE), Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (Tephra ICA) was introduced earlier this year in a significant rebrand (Tephra ICA). The repositioning emerged as the institution’s programs, audience, and impact continued to evolve over the past several years, and the original name and acronym no longer aligned with the organization’s reach and vision. Learn more.
Tephra ICA is a non-profit, non-collecting institution committed to promoting innovative contemporary art and thinking. Leading with curiosity and care, the organization is a catalyst, generator, and advocate for visual arts. The institution is devoted to celebrating artists and values the power of art to broaden and shift perspectives, start difficult conversations, and consider alternative ideas.
Tephra ICA is supported in part by ARTSFAIRFAX, Reston Community Center, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
