The Albuquerque Museum presents Nuclear Communities of the Southwest on view from March 23 to September 15, 2024. The exhibition aims to shed light on the historical significance of New Mexico in the development of nuclear technologies and the impact on local communities.
"New Mexico has played a significant role in U.S. history with regards to the development of what is now referred to as the nuclear age," said Andrew Connors, Albuquerque Museum director.
The exhibition features a variety of artifacts and art pieces that highlight the connection between New Mexico and the nuclear industry. Special attention is given to the Tularosa Basin downwinders, a community affected by the Trinity Test plutonium bomb explosion in 1945.
"Nuclear Communities of the Southwest challenges this narrative by telling the stories of the people who were impacted by and in some cases who had a hand in creating nuclear New Mexico," Connors added.
The exhibition showcases the diversity of experiences related to the nuclear industry, moving beyond the popularized narratives of heroic figures. Through artists' responses and historical objects from Sandia and Los Alamos National laboratories, as well as Kirtland Air Force Base, visitors are invited to explore the multifaceted impact of nuclear activities on communities.
Featuring artists like Nina Elder, Luis Jiménez, Patrick Nagatani, and Eric J. García, the exhibition prompts important questions about the consequences of scientific innovation and the portrayal of nuclear communities in art.
By delving into primary sources and engaging with affected communities, the exhibition offers a comprehensive perspective on the nuclear history of New Mexico. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the broader context in which nuclear institutions operate and the lasting effects on the land and people of the region.
