Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman:¬
Journey to Nature's Underworld
Alexis Rockman, Departure, 2018. Oil on Dibond aluminum composite sheet. 44 x 56 in. Barbara and Jonathan Lee, Courtesy the artist and American Federation of Arts. Photo by Adam Reich
Free admission for Virginia residents is generously funded by Sentara and The Sokol Family Foundation.
February 9, 2024-June 9, 2024
Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman: Journey to Nature’s Underworld unites over 30 sculptures and paintings by two renowned artists who have explored humanity’s strained relationship with the environment for over 30 years. Both Dion and Rockman have achieved international prominence for their own distinctive practices. They conduct intensive research, using allegory, dark humor, and popular culture to convey their message. Each subverts the authority and objectivity of museums of art and natural history. They ground their studio practice in science and close observation but present it as theater.
The title, “Journey to Nature’s Underworld,” holds various meanings, including mythic abodes, archaeology, Earth’s subsurface, and unconscious beliefs about nature. Dion and Rockman reflect on our culture’s harmful course, balancing the wonder and woe of nature’s condition.
Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman: Journey to Nature’s Underworld was curated by Suzanne Ramljak Chief Curator of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and organized by the American Federation of Arts.
VIDEO
Artist talk with Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman
Moderated by Cali Mitchum and Salomé Walker, students from the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Environmental Studies program at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center
EXHIBITION PROGRAMMING
Members’ Preview:
Thursday, February 08, 2024 | 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Members are invited to join us for the exhibition opening of Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman: Journey to Nature’s Underworld and Spencer Tinkham: Witness.
Film Screening | Headwaters Down: Tidal River
Thursday, March 07, 2024 | 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Headwaters Down: Tidal River is a feature film about the tidal section of the James River. Following five friends traveling on the water, Tidal River tells the story of the final 110 miles of the James, stretching from Richmond to the Chesapeake Bay.
Coffee + Conversation with the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Presented by the CNU Center for Sustainability
Thursday, February 22, 2024 | 10:30 am-12:00 pm
Join us for a casual conversation exploring current exhibitions, led by Virginia MOCA staff and guest lecturers.
This month we will be joined by Leslie Clements, Equity, Community & Learning, and Catherine Miller, Scientific Illustrator for the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
ROŪGE Presents: Rain Cycles
Thursday, March 28, 2024 | 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Rain Cycles is an interactive performance that explores the relationship between humans and their environment. Ritualistic in nature, this piece explores destiny, personal empowerment, and compassion for others.
Coffee + Conversation with the Elizabeth River Project Presented by the CNU Center for Sustainability
Thursday, April 25, 2024 | 10:30 am-12:00 pm
10:30 AM Coffee served
11:00 AM Gallery Talk
Join us for a casual conversation exploring current exhibitions, led by Virginia MOCA staff and guest lecturers.
This month we will be joined by Jamie Melvin, Engagement Coordinator for the Elizabeth River Project.
SELECT WORKS IN THE EXHIBITION
Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman with Aaron Delehanty, Loud Cow Studio, American Landscape, 2022. Mixed-media diorama with taxidermy, found objects, and painted background, 8 x 16 x 8 feet. Photo: Walter Colley. Post-Production: Maria Spinelli. Courtesy of American Federation of Arts
Mark Dion (American, b.1961)
Department of Tropical Research—Jungle Station, 2017. Mixed media. Courtesy the artist and Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York / Los Angeles
Alexis Rockman (American, b.1962) Disney World I, 2005. Oil on wood. Beth Rudin DeWoody
Mark Dion (American, b.1961)
Cabinet of Marine Debris, 2014. Wood and metal cabinet, found objects. Collection of Martin Z. Margulies, Miami
Mark Dion (American, b.1961). The Classical Mind (Scala Naturae and Cosmic Cabinet), 2017. Wooden structure, taxidermy specimens, artifacts, plaster bust, and LED lights. Courtesy the artist and Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York / Los Angeles
Alexis Rockman (American, b. 1962), Pioneers, from The Great Lakes Cycle, 2017. Oil and alkyd on wood panel, 72 x 144 in. Courtesy of Sperone Westwater Gallery, New York, and American Federation of Arts
Alexis Rockman (American, b.1962)
The Farm, 2000
Oil and acrylic on wood panel
96 in. x 10 ft.
Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill, NY. Gift of the Joy of Giving Something, Inc.,
COMMUNITY VOICES AUDIO TOUR
As an ever-changing museum, Virginia MOCA relies on unique and diverse perspectives to further our shared understanding of contemporary art. This audio tour includes the voices of students from Brock Center VBCPS Environmental Studies Program, a community organizer, and representatives from First Landing State Park, Norfolk Botanical Garden, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Wesleyan University, and the Virginia Zoo. Each brings a unique perspective to our exploration of Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman: Journey to Nature’s Underworld.
EXHIBITION PLAYLIST
Mark Dion & Alexis Rockman: Journey to Nature’s Underworld-inspired Playlist
We are grateful to Thanks for Listening, a record store in Virginia Beach, for curating an exhibition-inspired playlist. Hear the playlist in our lobby or follow the link below and enjoy at home.
The entirety of this soundtrack is instrumental; no vocals are present, mirroring the concept found in much of the art — the evidence of human existence without direct human representation. The songs traverse a global landscape, evoking a range of emotions and concepts from new beginnings to despair and destruction to hopes and dreams, spanning space and beyond. The absence of lyrics enables the listener to interpret the music much like they interpret the art — measuring its meaning and value through human interaction rather than its explicit presence.
Our Supporters
Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman: Journey to Nature’s Underworld is organized by the American Federation of Arts. Support for the exhibition has been provided by Elizabeth Belfer and Victoria E. Triplett.
The Virginia MOCA presentation of Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman is made possible by Southern Bank, PRA Group, Dollar Tree Family Dollar, Capital Group, with additional support given by CNU Center for Sustainability in Education, Martha Goode, Susan and Craig Grube, and Virginia Drywall Inc.
