ABQ Times

A new exhibition at the South Broadway Cultural Center titled "The Post Covid Bomb" reflects the resilience required to endure the pandemic shutdown. This exhibition features a diverse collection from more than 30 artists who exhibited their work between 2020 and 2023. Showcasing both previously displayed and new works, the exhibition highlights the unique experiences of creating and presenting art during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The exhibition opens with an artist reception on Thursday, June 13 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The COVID-19 pandemic emerged in December 2019 when cases of a novel coronavirus were first identified in Wuhan, China. By March 2020, the World Health Organization had declared a pandemic as the virus rapidly spread globally. In response, governments implemented measures such as lockdowns, social distancing, and travel restrictions to contain the virus, leading to significant disruptions across all sectors, including the arts.

Art institutions, galleries, and museums were forced to close and cancel exhibits, putting artists into survival mode. The South Broadway Cultural Center had to cancel an art reception just an hour before it was scheduled to start. Despite these challenges, the Department of Arts & Culture’s Public Art Urban Enhancement division continued to showcase exhibits with limited access and sometimes through YouTube.

"The Post Covid Bomb" is on view through August 17. The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. South Broadway Cultural Center’s gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.