Politically Charged 2024A Quadrennial Show for the Election Year

Blue Line Arts is pleased to present the third edition of Politically Charged, showcasing diverse perspectives on political issues through visual art. Since its inception in 2016, this show has become a key platform for artists and the community to engage in meaningful dialogue around governance, identity, activism, and more.

This year’s exhibition, juried by Executive Director MaryTess Mayall and Board Vice President Trung Cao, features thought-provoking works from over 50 artists from across the United States. Brandin Baron’s Memory Palace critiques American political culture and inequities in race and gender through layered digital illustrations, while G.E. Vogt’s collage, Erosion, reflects the growing divisions in modern society.

In Just Us, Jasper Duberry explores themes of resilience and systemic injustice within the Black experience. Jenny Balisle’s MY POWER IS YOUR FEAR challenges institutional oppression through a reflective mirror installation, and Josephine Hyde’s The Making of a Fiasco Showing the Destruction of a Democracy draws inspiration from the January 6th Capitol Insurrection, offering a critique on the fragility of democracy, referencing Diego Rivera’s style.

Artworks such as Kat Puente’s School Supplies, which underscores the tragedy of gun violence in schools, and Liz Blackwell’s Target Practice, honoring the stories of gun violence survivors, deliver powerful social commentary. Each piece invites viewers to reflect and engage in conversations about these pressing issues.

Blue Line Arts is proud to champion freedom of speech and artistic expression while fostering an environment where diverse voices and viewpoints can be shared. While the organization does not endorse the ideas presented by the artists, it upholds their right to express them.

Gallery visitors are invited to cast their vote for their favorite work of art while the exhibition is open to the public, Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am-5 pm. The People’s Choice award will be announced at a special reception on Saturday, September 21st, from 5-7 pm. The reception will feature live music, refreshments, and an opportunity for the public to meet the artists and community members.

Politically Charged is designed to give visitors a chance to engage with the art, vote on the piece that resonates the most, and reflect on the social and political issues shaping our world today.

This exhibition is made possible in part by the generous support of the Arts Council of Placer County.