Coping Mechanisms

Jonas Criscoe

Featuring works by Icosa Members during quarantine

EXHIBITION DATES JUNE 18, 2020 – JULY 2, 2020

Coping Mechanisms invites the viewer to engage with a rotating series of work over the next two weeks, made by ICOSA members in isolation. An imperfect show in imperfect times that recognizes our shortcomings and missteps, our pain, loneliness, and uncertainty, that aims to move forward carefully and intentionally.

Coping Mechanisms will be presented in two installments in our front window as a way to honor the current moment, each week bringing new perspectives and modes of self-examination. The first set of works will be on view starting Thursday June 18th with the second installment on Thursday June 25th. The work will be on view 24 hours a day through July 2nd.

This work was made during the pandemic, but before the world exploded once again in response to the horrific murder of George Floyd, thrusting the world into a greater awareness of systemic racism and police brutality, and renewing energy and momentum in the fight for justice.

We know the work will be viewed through a different lens under which it was made, and from there hope that it speaks to the self-reflection required of us all. We invite you to revisit it as the work changes. 

During this time, we are looking inward as an organization, at how we can better listen and serve the diverse community in which we exist and elevate the voices of underrepresented artists within our space.

A portion of the proceeds from sales of the artworks will be donated to Six Square: Austin’s Black Cultural District. Six Square’s mission is to preserve and celebrate the historic legacy of the African American community that once thrived in Central East Austin. To find out more about their organization or to donate to SIx Square directly, please check them out HERE.