Neo-Custodians: Woven Narratives of Heritage, Cultural Memory, and Belonging focuses on the historical aspect of textiles as a vehicle for communication and representation. Linking this ancient form of expression to contemporary artworks inspired by this legacy, the thirteen artists in the exhibition engage intentionally with materials bearing complex histories.

Paolo Arao makes sewn paintings, weavings, and site-responsive installations that are rooted in geometric abstraction. This exhibition will showcase Arao’s work over the past 5 years including work he began while a resident at Bemis Center in the spring of 2020 as well as site-specific installations utilizing the architecture of Bemis Center’s galleries.