On Saturday February 4th, the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) opened their newest exhibition Space-Light-Structure, which commemorates the artistic legacy of Margaret De Patta.
Now, not surprisingly, anyone who lives outside the Bay Area, or has not worn her custom made jewelry, probably does not know who she is, and therefore whoever visits the museum, will be amazed by the jewelry featured in the exhibition.
And yet, the featured works of DePatta is definitely something to be amazed about, especially when they are considered to be very avant-garde, and considering the timeframe of these works (meaning the early to mid 20th century), to be “ahead of it’s time”. Some of the most notable pieces in the exhibition included 1950’s and 1960’s pins that were made with beach pebbles, and the “Cathedral” pendant, in which the jewelry resembled stained glass, especially when it would be worn on a sunny day.
Another exhibition that has been on view since January, and is worth checking out is Question Bridge. This was the one where images of black men all across America, each asking various questions including what does it meant to be a man, and what poor choices from one person influenced another to do things differently. Visitors who come to the OMCA will truly see that this exhibition does what it sets out to do, which was wove together conversations of men from all types of levels, including geographic, generational, and educational. Thus, it will give visitors a variety of perspectives on various issues including education, relationships, love, and the stance of the Black male in American society.
Space-Light-Structure runs until May, while Question Bridge runs until July.
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