Explore What Matters: A Proposition at SFMOMA, where contemporary works converge to question life, meaning, and art. The exhibition presents an evolving narrative in eight rooms, each inviting visitors to engage deeply with materials and concepts that bridge the personal and the universal. In this second episode, the exhibit showcases newly acquired works from artists such as Patty Chang, Abraham Cruzvillegas, Sky Hopinka, and Guadalupe Maravilla, among others.
A standout is Maravilla’s Fortuna and the Immortality Garden (Machine). This imposing structure blends organic and industrial elements, weaving together ritual, survival, and regeneration. The piece reflects Maravilla’s own migration journey from El Salvador to the U.S., using materials gathered along the path. The sculpture, part of a series known as “Disease Throwers,” incorporates objects such as gongs, loofahs, and wooden elements, all designed to be activated through ritual sound baths. These immersive performances imbue the piece with healing energy, resonating with both historical and spiritual significance.
Architecturally, the minimalist gallery space complements the dynamic forms of the sculpture, allowing visitors to focus on the intricate interplay of textures and materials. The circular chalk outline on the floor, visible in the installation, emphasizes the piece’s ritualistic qualities, creating a space where art and healing intersect.
This exhibition encourages visitors to reflect on resilience, transformation, and the cyclical nature of existence, with works that evoke both quiet introspection and collective healing.
