Exhibition Closing Conversation featuring Charles Kay Jr. with Maria Corpuz
Join UNSEEN artist Charles Kay, Jr., Multi-Hyphenate Influencer Maria Corpuz, and KANEKO Executive Director Stephan Grot in an intimate program reflecting on the connections, vulnerability, and poetic nature of what it means to be seen. This conversation is the final opportunity to explore UNSEEN in a programmatic nature and is the Closing Program of the exhibit.
“When I thought of creating three large writing panels with the prompt: What makes you feel seen? I had no idea what type of responses I would receive. The honest and vulnerable replies have been documented and are now part of this exhibit. As I look back on the past 7 months; the talks, the tours, and the events – I am humbled by the connection UNSEEN has provided me and truly feel seen. Please join me with Maria Corpuz and Stephan Grot for this conversation of reflection.” — Charles Kay Jr.
CONVERSATION BEGINS at 6 PM – Q&A to follow.
UNSEEN – Emerging from the Currents of Assimilation will be on view at KANEKO through April 27, 2023 and open during this closing event.
Charles Kay Jr. is a first-generation Thai-American-born artist. His parents immigrated from Thailand in 1966 to attend university. Charles was born and raised in Omaha, NE. In 1992 Charles graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA. He has lived in Los Angeles, Paris, Minneapolis, and New York before moving back to Omaha in 1996. His work has been exhibited at the Denver International Airport, The Center for Fine Art Fort Collins, Bemis Center for Contemporary Art, The Anne Reed Gallery, Gilman Contemporary, Clic Gallery, and Nelson Macker Fine Art. Awards include The Hasselblad Award, American Photography Artist Showcase, Pilsner Urquell International Photography Award, Aperture West Book Prize, and Prixe de la Photographie. Charles has been known for his black and white architectural series titled Paris Still Lifes which is included in the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Centers permanent collection.
Find out more about Charles Kay, Jr. here.
Maria Corpuz has been exploring ways to utilize the power of collaborative conversation to improve her community. Her work spans across multiple platforms in efforts such as radio host, grassroots journalism, politics, and non-profit partnerships. Working to redefine an “influencer” as someone who influences change, she has found her passion as fostering a relationship between art, social movements and the Omaha community. In 2018, she founded Nite Caps, a late-night show that impacts the community culture by hosting conversations for those that hold diverse influences and perspectives within the Omaha community. Non-profit community leaders, artists, politicians and activists alike gather to discuss topics relevant to today’s socio-political climate. Maria has helped community projects such as Farnam Festival, NOISE Omaha, the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards and Start-Up Week Omaha. She currently works at Peeq, a skincare start-up, as VP of sales.
Find out more about Maria Corpuz here.
UNSEEN ARCHIVES:
Riverside Chat by Courtney Bierman
In this conversation with Maria Corpuz, he shares his experience growing up in Omaha with immigrant parents, the racism he and his family have endured, and his changing relationship with his Asian-American identity.
COVID DISCLAIMER
All guests acknowledge that visiting KANEKO includes a risk of contracting COVID-19 and that KANEKO is in no way responsible.
