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.

Previously 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 was on view out in the community, in the yard of a private residence near the cross streets of Thomas Road and 12th Street until December 1, 2024. You can find more information on the artwork, the artist, and the installation here.