Next Gen at Institute of Contemporary Art Central

 by Patricia Frischer

Coralys Carter, MFA, University of California

We have the ability to recognize male and female attributes of a created work that are generally accepted. Curves read  as female, sharp corners as male. These are passé statement in 2025 as we now live in a gender fluid age. This is quite evident in the Next Gen exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary on view until Feb 1, 2026.

All the artists are said to have “strong feminist perspectives” declares one of the jury of selectors, Talia Heiman, Assistant Curator, REDCAT, Los Angeles. The other selectors are Kibum Kim, Partner, Commonwealth and Council, Los Angeles, Christie Mitchell, Executive Director, Atheneum Music & Arts Library, San Diego, and Karla Niño de Rivera, Curator, Museo Anahuacalli, Mexico City. It is a big bonus that these VIPs in the art world were able to see the work of these emerging artists and many  others that were nominated.

Although three artists are obviously communicating about female issues, the other four artists are not so identifiable from the work presented. Coralys Carter uses some traditional female materials in her practice.   Maya Rosado uses photography to document issues centered on all aspects of the womb and Adele Gaburo focus on body size issues. Nykelle DeVivo used video to express social anger issues.   Emily Greenberg presents a commentary on social media.  Maddie Butler utilizes hardware from media technology and Nanzi Muro highlights the mistreatment of students.

These different voices are all reaching out to us. Trying to communicate messages, explain challenges or are even pleas for help. There is no real single way to tie them together. We just need to observe and wait for the next generation to find its way forward. 

Coralys Carter, MFA, University of California

Maya Rosado, BA, University of California

Nykelle DeVivo, MFA, University of California

Nykelle DeVivo, MFA, University of California

Emily Greenberg, MFA, University of California

Maddie Butler, MFA, University of California

 

Maddie Butler, MFA, University of California

Nanzi Muro, MFA, San Diego State University

Nanzi Muro, MFA, San Diego State University

Adele Gaburo, BA, San Diego State University

Adele Gaburo, BA, San Diego State University

Next Gen
On view until Feb 1, 2026
ICA Central
1439 El Prado (Headquarters), San Diego, CA 92101
619-236-0011 info@icasandiego.org
Thursday–Sunday 12:00 to 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30pm)
Monday–Wednesday Closed