By Maggie Luy
Take another step and lean in. Ordinary objects reveal deeper stories than they first appear to hold.
From delicate threads woven into a portrait to bold images capturing moments of social change, the 42nd Irvine Annual transforms familiar materials and experiences into unexpected forms of expression. With a focus on fragility and strength, Eunkyung Bae turns individual elements into a larger reflection of identity. Through a repurposed canvas, Emily Berl examines the relationship between mortality and the way people measure their lives. In Javier Cortes’ photography, a moment of resistance is preserved while exploring the emotions that surround the scene.
On view through Sept. 5 at the Irvine Fine Arts Center, the 42nd Irvine Annual features 80 artists selected from more than 1,000 submissions by jurors Stephen Anderson, Virginia Broersma and Cecelia Caro. Together, the works offer a broad look at contemporary artistic practice, revealing how artists translate their individual practices into works shaped by intention.
For Broersma, the selection process began with reviewing every submission and reading through the accompanying artist statements. Using the jurying portal, she began sorting the applications while refining her focus.
“If what I was looking at was confusing, this didn’t necessarily disqualify the artwork; but if I couldn’t figure it out by reading the artist’s statement, that may have made it harder for me to appreciate the work,” Broersma said.
This year, the Irvine Annual introduced excerpts from artist statements into the artwork labels, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of each artwork and the artist behind it.
Layers of thread intertwine in Eunkyung Bae’s “Portrait 3_1,” recipient of the ‘Best Use of Materials’ award. Individually delicate but collectively resilient, the threads reflect her belief that strength comes from remaining flexible rather than confined by rigid identities. Through a deliberate process, Bae allows the work itself to guide her decisions, knowing when to continue and when to leave the piece as it is.
“We just like to label things too quickly. So, I think it’s important to stay open and leave room for different possibilities instead of deciding too quickly what something or someone is,” Bae said.
Emily Berl’s “Motivational calendar from the bathroom of my children’s jujitsu class that makes me think about death: 40 years and 24 weeks” received the exhibition’s ‘Best Concept’ award. Intended as a motivational reminder to make the most of life, the calendar instead presents an entire lifetime on a single page, creating an ironic contrast between encouragement and mortality. Berl painted the work over a canvas from a painting she attempted five times before stripping it down and repurposing it, allowing a “residual like ghostiness” beneath the surface.
Captured during an immigration protest in Los Angeles, Javier Cortes’ “La Resistencia” earned ‘Best in Style’ for its powerful black-and-white composition and carefully timed perspective. After choosing to photograph exclusively in black and white, Cortes focused on waiting for the right moment rather than simply documenting the movement around him. The resulting photograph reflects both the energy of activism and Cortes’ personal connection to social issues.
“Regardless of what happened, there will always be people willing to stand up for those who cannot fight for themselves. Even in the face of conflict and injustice, someone will continue to speak out, advocate, and push for those whose voices are too often unheard,” Cortes said.
Additional award winners include Sarah Bodgal’s “Ashes and Mist,” Julie Beloussow’s “Aberration,” and Michael Lopez Jr.’s “Liminal Spaces,” which received Honorable Mentions. Lamia Labban’s “Glass Façade Restaurant” was selected as the ‘Viewers’s Choice’ Award winner.
Visitors can learn more during the Irvine Annual Juror and Artist Walkthrough on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 1 p.m. at the Irvine Fine Arts Center. Free and open to the public without registration, the event includes a walkthrough with the exhibition’s jurors and select award-winning artists, followed by an informal mixer where attendees can learn about the jurying process and meet participating artists.
“It’s really heartening to see how many people are interested in what we’re doing and want to show their work here,” curator Virginia Arce said. “I do see this as a great kind of Rolodex builder of artists that are working and making art in Southern California.”
