Art has the power to reveal truths and challenge perceptions. I recently had the opportunity to visit 3 new exhibits at the Dallas Museum of Art. One in particular, "When You See Me: Visibility in Contemporary Art/History," is an exhibition that seeks to broaden and complicate official histories and their corresponding visual strategies. By featuring nearly 60 works by a diverse, intergenerational group of 50 artists, the exhibition aims to create richer representations of those who have been traditionally excluded or erased from historical narratives.

The vision behind this exhibition is both bold and necessary. and offers a platform for voices that have been marginalized. It is particularly relevant in today's cultural and social landscape, where conversations about representation and inclusion are more important than ever. The exhibition's central themes revolve around invisibility, hyper-visibility, the desire to be seen, and the right to privacy. These themes are explored through a variety of mediums and artistic approaches, each bringing a unique perspective to the conversation. Here, I highlight three standout pieces that resonated with me deeply.

Jameson Green's In hopes that we find what we need is a profound exploration of visibility and self-discovery. This vibrant oil painting features an array of figures that seem to float in an abstract space, each one searching for something essential. The dynamic composition and bold use of color draw the viewer's eye across the canvas, creating a sense of movement and urgency. Green's work addresses the human condition and the perpetual quest for identity and meaning. The interplay between visibility and invisibility is palpable, as some figures are more defined while others blend into the background. This tension invites viewers to consider their own journeys and the societal forces that shape visibility.

**Deborah Roberts, *When you see me* (2019, Mixed media and collage on canvas)**

Deborah Roberts' When you see me is a striking piece that uses mixed media and collage to address themes of identity and perception. Roberts combines photographs, paint, and other materials to create fragmented, composite portraits that challenge conventional representations of Black identity. The collage technique allows Roberts to explore the complexities of visibility, presenting her subjects as multifaceted individuals who resist easy categorization. The juxtaposition of different textures and images creates a visually rich and thought-provoking work that prompts viewers to question their assumptions about identity and representation.

**Yowshien Kuo, *True Westerners for One Strange Hour* (2023, Acrylic, bone ash, glitter, and plastic on aluminum)**

Yowshien Kuo's True Westerners for One Strange Hour is a visually arresting piece that combines acrylic, bone ash, glitter, and plastic on aluminum to explore themes of cultural identity and the mythos of the American West. The use of unconventional materials creates a textured, almost surreal surface that draws viewers in. Kuo's work critiques the romanticized narratives of the American West, using glitter and plastic to highlight the artificiality and constructed nature of these stories. The inclusion of bone ash adds a somber note, reminding viewers of the real histories and lives that are often obscured by these myths. This piece challenges viewers to reconsider the cultural symbols and stories that shape our understanding of history and identity.

As a designer, I found the exhibition's visual and thematic impact to be profound. The use of diverse mediums and techniques to explore visibility resonated with me, offering new insights into how we perceive and represent identity. The exhibition prompted me to reflect on my own experiences with visibility and invisibility. It reminded me of the importance of creating space for marginalized voices and the power of art to challenge and expand our understanding of history and representation.

Have you visited "When You See Me: Visibility in Contemporary Art/History"? What were some of your favorite pieces? Check out some other favorites in the gallery below.