Multimedia artists Cristina Molina and Jonathan Traviesa will give two free lectures in November about their collaborative exhibition, “Sad Tropics,” which is on view through Nov. 2 at the Melvin and Burks Galleries at Florida Southern College.
The lectures are scheduled for Nov. 1, 4-5:30 p.m., and Nov. 2, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Nov. 1 lecture is designed for the general public. Florida natives Molina and Traviesa will discuss the inspiration and behind-the-scenes making of the exhibition. A Q-and-A period will follow the lecture.
The Nov. 2 lecture is geared toward high school and college students. Molina and Traviesa will discuss their individual practices and how they came to collaborate on “Sad Tropics.” The artists will discuss the chronology of their art careers and give students background information on the ins and outs of being a professional artist. A Q-and-A period will follow the lecture.
“We are thrilled to give members of the community the chance not simply to meet Cristina and Jonathan themselves but also to interact with them and learn from them about how the installation came to fruition,” said Alex Rich, FSC director of galleries and exhibitions and assistant professor of art history. “The exhibition is intended to be a jumping-off point for conversation, and we can’t wait to see how visitors respond when facing the artists in person.”
The artists’ exhibition was inspired by Claude Levi-Strauss’ book titled, “Tristes Tropiques. “ It focuses on the psychological landscape of paradise, the tropics and Florida mythology. Through photographic murals, videos, and a themed gift shop installation at the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College, the artists celebrate and critique the eccentricities of their Floridian inspiration.
“The show offers an exciting opportunity for the community to see a site-specific installation on our campus, and these public lectures present an even more exciting chance for our community to learn directly from the artists about their process,” Rich said.
“Sad Tropics” and the artist lectures are supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
About the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College
The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, is a private, not-for-profit academic fine art museum dedicated to promoting inspirational and engaging arts experiences for all. It is one of the Top 10 art museums in the State of Florida, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the only art museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums serving the 666,000 residents of Polk County. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays – Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays (closed Sundays June 1 through Labor Day) and closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is free for everyone year-round, thanks to the following organizations: MIDFLORIDA Credit Union; the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation; and the Share Foundation. The museum is fully accessible.
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