In the latest “Houseguest” series installment at the Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, artist EJ Hill steps into the role of guest curator with “Mute Flesh.” The exhibition dives into the complexities of corporeal existence, exploring how the body leaves traces and transcends through various states of being.
Hill, primarily known for his performance art and explorations of identity, meticulously curated this exhibition after months of visiting the Grunwald Center’s collections. “Mute Flesh” presents a compelling narrative through the works of artists like Eve Fowler, Barbara T. Smith, Charles White, and David Wojnarowicz, each piece handpicked for its resonance with themes of the body and the color pink.
Pink is not used here in its stereotypical softness; instead, it becomes a multifaceted symbol representing the layers of human experience. It’s a color of contradictions—embodying both vulnerability and strength, a visual metaphor for the scars and triumphs etched into our flesh. Hill’s curatorial approach encourages a deeper engagement with the artworks, highlighting the unspoken stories that our bodies carry.
The exhibition becomes a silent dialogue, urging viewers to consider how the flesh can communicate without words. “Mute Flesh” isn’t merely about stillness; it challenges us to perceive the loudness in what is often left unsaid, pushing us to acknowledge and celebrate the narratives embedded within our corporeal existence.
We took some photos of the exhibition, a sampling if which we’ve posted below.
GLOBAL GRAPHICA 