‘Entangled’ Exhibit Explores Environment 

The Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art features two artists whose work responds to climate change and our planet on the brink of perilous danger. The exhibition, Entangled: Responding to Environmental Crisis, runs from January 12 to March 25, 2023, and highlights the artwork of Madeleine Tonzi, a New Mexico painter, muralist and printmaker, and GATS (Graffiti Against the System), a well-known Bay Area artist who draws on the urban environment as a source of inspiration. An opening reception on January 12 from 4-6 pm at the museum is free and open to the public.

“Madeleine addresses the landscape in ways that stimulate the viewer to think more seriously about what is at peril in nature today,” says Judy L. Larson, R. Anthony Askew professor of art history and museum director, who has followed Tonzi’s career since she was a student at Santa Barbara City College.

“Street art and graffiti are non-traditional media for many urban artists, who respond with directness and vigor to the world around us,” says collections manager Chris Rupp. “I believe that’s the greatest strength of street art – its unmediated directness. GATS is a master of communicating to the masses without written word.

“The current environmental crisis is something that affects all of us. Street art, like murals and graffiti, offer everyone access to the art world. Art becomes part of our everyday lives. We’re lucky to have Madeleine Tonzi and GATS come together to create pieces that will start conversations about how we can take on this challenge of protecting our fragile environment.”

Hashimoto Contemporary and Harman Projects sponsor the exhibition.

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays. It’s closed on Sundays and college holidays. For more information, please visit westmont.edu/museum or contact the museum at (805) 565-6162.