Beatriz Bellorin, Luminous Mysteries, Nine 8.5 x 11” Archival Ink jet prints
Curated by:
Mueni Loko Rudd
Exhibition Dates:
August 17–September 14, 2024
Artist Reception:
Saturday August 17, 7-10 pm, 2024
ICOSA Collective is proud to present Straight Like That, a group exhibition of works from the Houston based artist collective, Throughline, guest curated by Mueni Loko Rudd. This is the first exhibition of this art exchange between two Texas cities separated by almost 200 miles but connected in community and a commitment to showcasing diverse voices in contemporary art.
In “Straight Like That”, Houston based Throughline artists bring forth a collection of contemporary art that embraces authenticity, innovation, and a deep connection to personal commitment. Houston grown, Mueni Loko Rudd embraced these themes as curator similarly to the participating collective artists, embodying its philosophy of standing by what you offer to the outside world. In this instance the art ecosystem. In the context of the exhibition, it reflects Mueni's commitment to showcasing art contributions that are genuine, truthful, and deeply connected to the lived experiences and perspectives of diverse communities.
Throughline, the visiting collective, mirrors this ethos. It is home to a vibrant group of artists whose work spans painting, sculpture, photography, multimedia art, and more. These artists have enriched the collective artistic journey with their unique perspectives and innovations.
Artist-run spaces like Throughline and ICOSA are vibrant epicenters of creativity, breaking free from traditional gallery systems to foster experimentation, collaboration, and a sense of community. "Straight Like That" showcases this spirit of authenticity and innovation. It’s a communal and honoring experience that presents art committed to cultural and social authenticity. Through Mueni’s curatorial taste, the exhibition brings forth a deeply personal and broadly resonant collection, celebrating the richness and diversity of the Houston arts cultural tapestry. "Straight Like That" conveys the authentic conviction shared by all participating and implies a shared honesty to audiences.
Curator Bio:
Mueni Loko Rudd is a Kenyan American independent curator, cultural preservationist, and scholar advocate prioritizing art by and about Black and other historically excluded folks. Her curatorial practice based in the South acts through intentionality and mindfulness, challenging the often, white-centered colonial patriarchal art spaces. Deeply committed to her values she has pursued a path in the art ecosystem rooted in liberation. Mueni received her bachelor's from Huston-Tillotson University and her master's from Texas State University. In 2022, Mueni was a visiting professor at Huston-Tillotson University, where she taught in the Sociology Department. Contributions from Mueni have appeared in 900 Chicon Literature and Art Journal and several exhibition catalogs. Her academic scholarship has been published in Routledge, Frontiers, TEDx, and The Publicizer. She has been featured/interviewed in The Austin Chronicle, Atmos, Kenyan Arts Review, and Surface Magazine.