mixed media on found silken scroll, wallpaper, cork paper, burnt bread stained parchment paper, vintage photographs and cabinet cards, vintage text, rose gold staples; 2026; Courtesy of the artist.
COLLAGE ON VIEW
Artifacts from an Unborn Empire
at Brand Library & Art Center, Glendale, California, USA
26 September-31 December 2026.
“Artifacts from an Unborn Empire” brings together twenty-three contemporary artists whose works examine how civilizations are imagined, constructed, documented, and remembered. Through installation, sculpture, photography, textile, video, archival materials, and mixed-media practices, the exhibition considers the forces that shape collective identity and asks who has the authority to define history, culture, and belonging.
Taking place during the United States Semiquincentennial, the exhibition reflects on the life cycles of nations and empires, while looking beyond established narratives towards alternative possibilities and artist revisions. The participating artists investigate the systems, symbols, myths, and material methods that societies use to understand themselves. Their works approach these questions through both critical and poetic lenses, exploring themes of colonialism, memory, inheritance, labor, migrations, language, and cultural mythmaking.
vintage book cover, embroidered textile, metal frme, vintage picture frame, vintage photograph 1880’s, rusted metal, scrabble letters, beaded crucifix, on painted wood panel; Courtesy of the artist.
Featuring work by: Aprille Curtis, Antonino Isaja-Formicca, Ben Cuevas, Cheyann Washington, Elana Mann, Ellen Jong, Francis Robateau, Gina Herrera, Greg Day, Hugo Heredia Barrera, Jason Jenn, Jason Trucco, Jotham Hung, Kayla Tange, Kristine Schomaker, Marcus Kuiland-Nazario, Nancy Kay Turner, Reyah, Robert Patrick, Rosalyn Myles, Rubén Esparza, and Vojislav Radovanović.
Curated by Jason Jenn and Vojislav Radovanović.
(text adapted from material provided by the gallery)
INFORMATION
Brand Library & Art Center
1601 West Mountain Street
Glendale, California 91201 USA
(818) 548-2051
Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday, 11AM-8PM
Saturday, Noon-5PM