"Images of Power"

Not since the 1960s has the country seen a more divisive political climate. Emboldened by the election of President Trump in 2016, a man many saw as a racist, a xenophobe and a misogynist, an extreme far-right movement suddenly made its way into the political mainstream. Among the ideas promulgated by the far-right was the belief that the United States was fundamentally a white, Christian country. From the “Heil Trump” salutes at a gathering of white nationalists shortly before Trump’s inauguration, to the murder of Heather Hyer at a “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, white supremacy continues to rear its ugly head within American culture. On Saturday, Freight Gallery presents “Images of Power,” an exhibition of new work by 30 artists from across the country that deal with “current events, historical quandaries and the rising tide of fascism at our doorstep.” Guest curated by Alana Coates and Mark Anthony Martinez, the exhibition brings together a bold array of work and highlights several local artists, including Albert Alvarez, Juan de Dios Mora, Ashley Mireles, Raul Gonzalez, Andrei Renteria and Jose Villalobos. In a statement, Freight owner Sergio Martinez said, “‘Images of Power’ establishes a dialogue that might at times be painful or difficult, but it is timely, meaningful, and worth having.” Following the opening reception, "Images of Power" remains on view by appointment during Freight's cafe hours (7am-2pm Tuesday-Friday) through February 24.