Two artists with strong ties to the University of California, San Diego, have been adorned with the nation's top honors for their contributions to the arts. At a recent White House ceremony, Carrie Mae Weems, a UC San Diego alumna, and contemporary artist Mark Bradford, whose work is part of the university's Stuart Collection, were awarded President Joe Biden the National Medal of Arts. This prestigious accolade signifies the federal government's highest recognition for artists and art patrons, commending their outstanding achievements and support for the arts in the United States.
In a statement captured by UC San Diego News, Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla praised Weems, saying, "Throughout her prolific career, she has shown us the power of the arts to explore the complexity of the human experience while offering stirring commentary on race, gender, class and identity." Dean Cristina Della Coletta added that Weems typifies the university's mission "to prepare students who are dedicated to the common good" by capturing beauty while interrogating systems of inequality.
Weems, who garnered an MFA in Visual Arts from UC San Diego in 1984, has been celebrated for a career spanning over four decades, tackling subjects from family relationships to social hierarchy. Much of her acclaimed work is done through photography, video, and performance, focusing on giving voice to silenced communities and sparking dialogue around tense issues. Her work "Grace Notes: Reflections for Now" is one example that combines a plethora of artistic mediums to dissect the concept of grace amidst the struggle against Black oppression.
Meanwhile, Mark Bradford's contributions include a 195-foot sculptural installation at UC San Diego that communicates, in Morse code, the first message ever sent by telegraph. As noted by UC San Diego News, Jess Berlanga Taylor, the director and curator of the University's Stuart Collection, acknowledges Bradford's work for bringing the narratives of those usually omitted from history books to the fore. Bradford's award and art piece, "What Hath God Wrought," are hailed as monumental testaments to his artistic vision.
UC San Diego encourages creative exploration through ArtsConnect, which is part of a larger network of art programs led by the School of Arts and Humanities. The campus revels in its standing as a destination for modern art, theatre, and music performances. From concerts and plays to craft centers and galleries, the university paves the way for engaging cultural experiences—or so it continues to claim.
