Reshaping the Narrative: California Perspectives surveys the myriad ways artists represent and reflect our local communities. The exhibition includes both contemporary and historical works from Mills College Art Museum’s permanent collection and highlights California, and the Bay Area in particular, as a site of resistance, abundance, and celebration.

Drawing inspiration from the diverse cultures and remarkable histories that define California, the featured artists offer unique and local perspectives on themes that resonate during this presidential election year, such as immigration, civil rights, labor activism, feminism, and cultural identity. Through various mediums including painting, sculpture, and photography, the artists create pieces that challenge conventional narratives and offer new perspectives on California’s rich history and complex social landscape.