GALLERY | Friday, August 2 | 5–8 PM | FREE

Opening Reception for "ICONIC: Apogees of Art + Culture" Exhibit (presented by Lapis Room)
This exhibit can be viewed during public FUSION events or by appointment. To schedule a visit email FUSION. Reception During Artwalk on Aug. 2, 5–8 PM. Open House Every Saturday, Aug. 3–24, 1–3 PM .

Lapis Room invites you to the Opening Reception for "ICONIC: Apogees of Art + Culture" Exhibit. Check out the exhibit at FUSION as part of the August ABQ Artwalk on August 2 from 5–8 PM! This group show showcases the works of Joshua Patterson, Adam Bustamante, Bryce Nañez, Dave Weirdly, Kyle Maier, Jesse Littlebird, Noé Barnett, and Rachel Tapia.

We are all a culmination of unique experiences and influences that, once distilled, create our own personal style. In our contemporary world, we are passively exposed to a barrage of visuals and sounds through pop culture, designed curriculums, and infinite advertisement, but how does this influence contemporary art and ideas?

In this show, several important local artists pay tribute to the greats of art and culture through their own respective styles. While consciously acknowledging their admiration or influence from contemporary + historic icons, these artists shape their distinct voices and create powerful perspectives. With the fusion of each new idea, a microculture is uncovered, and in turn, new icons are revealed.

I started noticing something [all my favorite artists] had in common—they all copied each other… I realized that this is what artists are supposed to do—communicate back and forth with each other over the generations, take old ideas and make them new (since it’s impossible to really “imitate” somebody without adding anything of your own), create a rich, shared cultural language that was available to everybody. Once I saw it in folk art, I saw it everywhere – in hip-hop, in street art, in dada. I became convinced that the soul of culture lay in this kind of weird, irreverent-but-reverent backs-and-forth.” 
–Will Sheff, singer

10% of Proceeds will Benefit FUSION!!!

The Opening Reception is during the ABQ Artwalk on August 2, 5–8 PM.
Open House on August 3, August 10, August 17, and 24 from 1–3 PM.
This exhibit can also be viewed during public FUSION events or by appointment. To schedule a visit email FUSION.

"Eastern Hand" by Dave Weirdly

ABOUT DAVE WEIRDLY
Dave Weirdly has been FUSION's resident scenic artist and master carpenter for the past eleven years.  His mural, the Quantum Garden, is located on the south side of The Cell, by the railroad tracks.  Dave is also a graphic novelist, with his work expected to be published in 2025. 

Lapis Room is an art gallery in Albuquerque, New Mexico located in historic Old Town off Route 66. Nestled in the heart of Old Town, Lapis Room is a unique and vibrant attraction dedicated to supporting local and regional artists. Through representing a diverse selection of creatives that are truly representative of Southwest contemporary culture, we honor both the thriving contemporary art scene and also the rich cultural heritage of the area. Over the past three years, Lapis Room has proven to be an essential and much-needed marquee for contemporary artists; fostering creativity, sense of place, and showcasing the inherent pride and appreciation for the arts that is uniquely Albuquerque and Northern New Mexico.

Quality bar service provided by Safe House Distilling Co. and Teller Genuine Vodka.