FRESH 2021: SoLA Contemporary, 3718 West Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043 On View: August 28, 2021- October 9, 2021 Juried by: Anuradha Vikram Artists: Astrid Francis, Beth Levy, Carmel Katumba, Christen Austin, Diqing Xu, Flora Kao,Jane Orr, Jo Ann Block, John Sollom, Kathleen Greco, Lauren Haze, Leah Knecht, Lejin Fan, Lorraine Bubar, M. Robert Markovich, Mara Zaslove, Maxwell Kazuo, Mia Johnson, Michael Allyn Roy, Michael Ryder, Michele Castagnetti, Molly Champlin, Nandi Jordan, Nicolaalee, Nicole Rademacher, Rhiannon Isabella Valenti, Richard Gayler, Sarah Stone, Shane Foley, Silvia Wagensberg, Stephen Anderson, Steven Baboun, Vivian Wenhuey Chen Opening & Press Preview: Saturday, August 28, 2021, 1-6PM Artist Talk: TBA Closing: Saturday, October 9, 2021, 1-6 PM “It's not always pretty, but it's my truth.” SoLA Contemporary is pleased to announce the opening of its biennial juried show, FRESH 2021, independently curated by Los Angeles-based writer, curator, and educator, Anuradha Vikram. In keeping with tradition, FRESH encourages artists to consider how they can make an impact in their communities, by reflecting on current ideas and trends in contemporary art. In the wake of a year defined by a global pandemic and social justice reckoning, the mission of FRESH is more poignant and pressing than ever before. FRESH 2021, is a retrospective collection of art that engages with the challenges, tragedies, and triumphs that humanity has experienced in this past year. Vikram has selected 33 artists who use various mediums, including photography, video, paint, sculpture, and mixed media to process and reflect on this complex moment in time. Rather than dwell heavily on the past, however, these artworks analyze, interpret, and transform the trauma. The result is an exhibition that uplifts the viewer, even as it probes at profound and personal subject matter. “Art is at its best when it reflects the shared experiences and concerns that shape our understanding of the historical moment we are living in,” says Vikram. “More than a year of setbacks, personal loss, solitude, and mental and physical health struggles have left us feeling exhausted, frustrated, and sad. The artists in FRESH turn these challenges into visions, and in doing so they help us to make sense of the strange year we've had. There are moments of connection and even of joy, as we find one another and our own strengths and voices.” FRESH 2021 celebrates Resilience and the healing power of contemporary art. It will be on view at SoLA Contemporary from August 28, 2021 - October 9, 2021. A discussion with the juror and selected artists will be held via Zoom, the official date will be announced. About SoLA Contemporary South LA (SoLA) Contemporary is a nonprofit, artist-run organization that serves as a cornerstone for cultural and artistic innovation in South Los Angeles. Our goal is to advocate for change by empowering people from diverse backgrounds to take risks in their creative endeavors and to explore the intersection of art, culture, society, and politics. Above all, SoLA Contemporary is a safe and receptive space for anyone seeking to experience the power of contemporary art. Location: 3718 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90043. solacontemporary.org Press contact: Anefertiti Bowman, Executive Director, Anefertiti@solacontemporary.org Connect with us! #sola #solacontemporary #southlacontemporary Featured Image: Christen Austin