This episode of the Artist/Mother podcast is a special one, correlating with the opening of a spectacular exhibition on motherhood and art. It was an honor to speak with Marisa Sage who curated this amazing exhibition at the University Art Museum at New Mexico State University (co-curated with artist Laurel Nakadate). In Marisa’s words, “everything begins with a mother…” and she was inspired to by this as a starting place for the re-opening of UAM after a generous expansion. I had such a great time speaking with Marisa, hearing all about the curation process of this exhibition which includes video, painting, installation, sculpture, film and photographic works, and explores themes of empowerment, empathy, intimacy, selflessness, vulnerability, failure, anxiety, and choice through the lens of the maternal.
In our conversation, Marisa takes me back to her beginning, speaking fondly of her upbringing with two parents who had no interest in art, but who greatly supported their daughter in pursuing it. She shares the moment she was “bit” but the curatorial bug and chose to diverge from her path of becoming a visual artist to a career in curating. We talk about her experience opening Like the Spice Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn which held over 65 exhibitions between 2006 and 2012.
Marisa also opens up about her own journey as she considers becoming a mother. I’m so grateful she was willing to take the time to speak with me and tell us more about her life this amazing curatorial project. Her story is inspiring and all the work she is doing to support artists is profound. Thank you Marisa!
You can connect with Marisa by following her on IG @likethespice or viewing her website with more curatorial projects here.
The Artist/Mother podcast is created and hosted by Kaylan Buteyn. You can see more of Kaylan’s work on her website or connect with her on Instagram @kaylanbuteyn
Many thanks to Marisa and her peer Isadora Stowe for inviting me out to the exhibition opening this weekend! We will be doing a live episode recording with Joey Fauerso and Jessica Jackson Hutchins. See you soon, ladies!
