MARFA — Mesa Pictures is proud to present Bright Tomorrows Out of Dark Yesterdays, a solo exhibition by Creole artist Curtis Bordenave, on view from September 12 to November 14, 2025. This striking collection of 40 charcoal drawings on paper explores the aesthetics of liberation, drawing inspiration from the symbolic and emotional depth of Egyptian hieroglyphs and historical narratives of escape.
Each drawing, which the artist calls “BayouGlyphs,” is crafted through a process that is linked to memory and repetition. The work in the exhibit presents a singular image of an enslaved person fleeing with a bindle — a dual symbol embodying both the pursuit of emancipation and the stark reality of “wanted” posters. This exhibition creates an expressive space where past and present converge, offering a meditation on freedom, survival, and self-determination.
“As a Creole artist, I recognize my roots and I live to carry my history with me,” says Bordenave. “The use of this symbol in my work is a way of processing this dark past but also gives me a chance to honor my ancestors and the people who fought for freedom.”
The opening reception is set for September 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mesa Pictures, 310 W San Antonio St. The exhibition is free and open to the public, with gallery hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.
About Mesa Pictures
We are a hybrid Kunsthalle-style, for-profit gallery located in Far West Texas. Mesa Pictures operates as a platform for experimental presentation and sustainable enterprise. With a rotating program of exhibitions, screenings, performances, and publications, the gallery showcases a diverse group of contemporary artists, from local to nationally and internationally recognized artists.