In the first, but certainly not the last, Cato Institute's art exhibition with works by 76 artists will close on Flag Day, two months after opening for public viewing.
Entitled Freedom: Art as the Messenger, the curators invited artists to explore the meaning of freedom and identity, embracing "manifestations through art."
It is fitting that the exhibition closes on June 14, a time which coincides with the think tank's mission to follow the principles of Cato's Letters of the 18th century "that presented a vision of society free from excessive government power."
The show's contents are not the extreme, harsh examples by contemporary artists as one has grown to expect and often observes in public and private galleries, but the artists here offer more promise in attempts to evoke personal reflections upon the theme.
Still, the connections between art you see and theme are frequently hard to discern. That the artists could be present to explain or have available their intent and meanings would be welcome guidance, but as with most exhibitions, "beauty" and meaning belong to the viewer.
Two of the most interesting works (at least to this beholder) are shown above, and all may be seen at the website. The curators received almost 2,200 submissions from 500 artists in 40 states, a much larger response than they anticipated. (Why the U.S. was only represented is a question.)
Brief essays by Cato's president and CEO, Peter Goettler, and the curators, Harriet Lesser and June Linowitz, are included in the softbound 76-paged, free, color catalog printed on glossy stock. (Do 76 pages and 76 artists have anything in common with 1776?)
Ms. Lesser writes the purpose of the exhibition at Cato “is to provide a medium for conversation about freedom through art” since the two "have always been allies" and fit Cato's dedication "to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace."
She believes each selection “has something special and unique to say about freedom."
Ms. Linowitz hopes the show leads each viewer “to contemplate what freedom means.” She decided that, although her own political philosophy differs "notably" from Cato's, she and Cato would make a good match since the institute exhibits its own tolerance and respect for views and expressions in the show which it doesn't necessarily hold.
Mr. Goettler trusts that the exhibition “may teach us a lot about what freedom means to us and to others.” The essence of Cato is “freedom of speech and expression" which "are among our most cherished values and only with them can art prosper.” The “unconventional, the controversial, and even the distasteful” may call for limits on our freedoms which need to be protected.
What: Freedom: Art as the Messenger
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closing June 14, 2019
Where: Cato Institute, 1000 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Closest Metro station: Green, Yellow and Orange lines all have stops close to Cato. Check Metro.
For more information: Call Cato at (202) 842 0200.
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