The Albuquerque Museum will present "Vivarium: Exploring Intersections of Art, Storytelling, and the Resilience of the Living World," from June 22, 2024, to February 9, 2025. The exhibition will feature works by seven distinguished artists: Nathan Budoff; Patrick McGrath Muñíz; Steven J. Yazzie (Diné/Santa Clara Pueblo); Eliza Naranjo Morse (Santa Clara Pueblo); Stanley Natchez (Shoshone-Tataviam); Julie Buffalohead (Ponca Tribe Indians of Oklahoma); and Eloy Torrez.

Additionally, the exhibition will include selected works from the Tia Collection, featuring paintings by Nanibah Chacon and Julio Larraz. "Vivarium" explores the delicate balance within nature through various visual languages and cultural lenses. Latin for "place of life," the title encapsulates each artist's unique perspective on how the non-human living world strives to survive amid human constructs.

Curator Josie Lopez, PhD, commented on the exhibit: “All of the featured artists engage in a dynamic and thought-provoking visual dialog that is embedded in the practice of painting and drawing. Vivarium is more than a collection of artworks; it is a journey through diverse perspectives and artistic expressions that converge to highlight the importance of environmental consciousness and cultural reflection.”

Nathan Budoff's paintings place animals at center stage as protagonists reflecting climate change and colonization realities in Puerto Rico. His work challenges viewers to reconsider boundaries between built and natural environments.

Patrick McGrath Muñíz uses classical styles to build complex narratives offering critical views on contemporary culture through historical imagery. His symbolic paintings confront viewers with consumerism's impact and environmental neglect.

Eliza Naranjo Morse explores themes of growth, decay, and regeneration. Her deeply personal yet universally resonant work invites viewers to consider life's cyclical nature and ecological balance while engaging with her ancestral homeland in New Mexico.

Steven J. Yazzie draws from his Diné heritage to reflect on place significance and identity within environmental stewardship contexts. He emphasizes cultural dimensions in our relationship with earth and animal characters seen as part of humanity.

Eloy Torrez blends surrealism, pop culture, and personal memory into narrative paintings connecting past with present alongside land, people, and animals' interconnectedness.

"Vivarium" aims not only to showcase these artists' talents but also serves as a catalyst for dialogue regarding ecological challenges. It underscores art's power to inspire change fostering deeper connections with our environment.

The exhibition is curated by the Albuquerque Museum.

Opening events are scheduled for Sunday, June 22:

1-5 p.m.: Opening Reception

2 p.m.: Opening Conversation with Artists