The Cambridge Art Association's latest exhibition, "Aura," has been making waves in the local art scene. Curated by Tessa Bachi Haas, an assistant curator at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, this juried show invites artists to explore the concept of "aura" – a vague yet expansive theme that encourages experimentation, questioning, and a focus on the materials themselves.

Unlock the Captivating Vibes of "Aura"

Embracing the Unexpected: A Playful Exploration of Materials

The works featured in "Aura" are anything but ordinary. Somerville-based artist Gary Duehr's photographs, for instance, zero in on close-ups of trash, enclosing each piece within a circular frame – a visual nod to the aureoles, or halos, often depicted in religious paintings. This unexpected approach to subject matter and framing invites the viewer to reconsider the beauty and significance that can be found in the most mundane of objects.Similarly, Cambridge artist Juls Gabs' "Red de Naranja" offers a clever twist on the traditional still life. In this piece, a hand grasps a red net that holds an iPad displaying a digital painting of fruit. By blending physical and digital elements, Gabs challenges the boundaries of what constitutes a "still life" and encourages the viewer to ponder the interplay between the tangible and the virtual.

Bringing Encaustic Paintings to Life: Kay Hartung's Vibrant Creations

Another standout work in the "Aura" exhibition is Kay Hartung's "Geocolor 19," which brings encaustic (hot wax) paintings to life on wood in vivid blocks of color. Encaustic painting, a centuries-old technique, is known for its luminous, textured qualities, and Hartung's piece expertly harnesses these characteristics to create a captivating visual experience.The artists featured in "Aura" are clearly using their chosen materials to give form to their ideas, pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic expression and inviting the viewer to engage with their work on a deeper level.

Embracing the Amorphous: The Power of Mysterious Exhibitions

One of the most striking aspects of the "Aura" exhibition is its refusal to be didactic. Rather than providing a clear, linear narrative, the show embraces the amorphous and open-ended nature of the "aura" theme. This approach, as Haas acknowledges, is a departure from her typical curatorial focus, but it has resulted in a truly captivating and thought-provoking exhibition.By allowing the artists to experiment and let their materials take center stage, "Aura" invites the viewer to unlock their own interpretations and responses to the work. The exhibition is not about providing definitive answers, but about sparking curiosity, wonder, and a deeper engagement with the creative process.

Exploring the Vibrancy of Cambridge's Art Scene

The "Aura" exhibition is a testament to the vibrant and diverse art scene in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The city has long been a hub for creativity, attracting artists, curators, and art enthusiasts from around the world. The Cambridge Art Association, which has been showcasing the work of local and regional artists for over 80 years, continues to play a vital role in nurturing and celebrating this thriving artistic community.The "Aura" exhibition is on view through January 17, 2025, at the Cambridge Art Association's two locations: 25 Lowell Street in West Cambridge and CAA@ University Place, 124 Mount Auburn Street in Harvard Square. This captivating show is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the boundaries of artistic expression and experiencing the unique "vibes" that can emerge when artists are given the freedom to experiment and let their materials shine.