#age-defying

For artist Susan Almazol, the phrase “age defying” isn’t about a beauty product it’s about energy. And it’s energy or as she calls it “life-force” that she wants to highlight and celebrate in an upcoming exhibit entitled, "Seize the Gaze" opening on May 3.

The exhibition at Joyce Gordon Gallery in Oakland is a captivating immersion curated by Almazol, into the buoyant presence of women of color across generations made possible when women of color themselves determine the gaze -- that lens through which they are seen.

Through bold portraiture, Almazol not only curates the exhibit but is also among the six Asian American, Black, Indigenous, and Latina artists featured. All together, they evoke the profound feminine energies of the sacred, the sensual, and the spirited.

Through their unique perspective of paintings, photographs, digital art, mixed media, and sculpture, the six women invite viewers into an intense and powerful exploration of the limitless spirit of women of color when free of societal constraints.

The "Seize the Gaze" exhibition celebrates the rich tapestry of empowerment and beauty woven by these artists of color.

Almazol took a few moments to speak about her work and a bit about her life.

“I don’t think of myself as ‘all set.’ Life is really an amazing stew of experiences,” she said. And, from her perspective, “old age or rather aging itself can be a continuing evolution of identity."

Almazol has experienced health crises, like others her age, but she's determined to live life to the fullest. “I don’t move as I used to," she said. "But I still want to move and be active.” She added, “All of us are affected by social norms. People have lots expectations and assumptions on how people are supposed to act.”

Yet despite all the norms and expectations, “people are still just people; even if others in general don’t see old people with much identity other than being old,” said Almazol. “Everyone has lots of roles, duties and jobs in their lifetime. They are teachers, parents, managers, director and leaders,” she said. “But when a person gets old, that person in the eyes of the general public is seen and considered as simply old.”

“But, in the circle of friends that I have, no one really ‘acts their age’ as they get older,” said Almazol. “They, like me, are too busy living and wanting to make the most out of life.”

As a visual artist, curator, dancer, and writer based in Oakland, Almazol has always had “a life force” of energy with her. She was uprooted from the Philippines at age 3 because of WWII. After living in Japan, her parents and family immigrated to the United States when she was 5.

These journeys embedded within her an affinity for bold transformation. Not one to question too much why something like a career change or a vocation happens, “I became a ceramics sculptor at 54,” she noted. “And, I danced for the first time on stage at 66.”

But it was in 2017 when she began creating nude self-portraits at age 71 that “I got strong opinions,” she said. “And, some of the opinions were extreme, ranging from support to rejection.”

“What’s interesting," said Almazol "is that up to that point I didn’t get any negative reactions. But it was when I ventured into self-portraits that I realized this form of art provokes strong responses."

Despite the vulnerability in doing art, Almazol continues. Art in any form can be a cathartic experience she said, “In sculpting, for example, when I start I have only a vague idea, and then my hands take over.”

In speaking about her work, fellow artist and colleague Cynthia Tom noted. “Susan and I have known each other for 20 years through the Asian American Women Artists Association.”

As Tom explains. “We were in many exhibits together, but for some reason this last 18 months, we started talking to each other almost daily. We were both sounding boards for each other for different things."

Surprised at first and then impressed by Almazol’s self-portraits, Tom recognized not only the artistic quality of the work but also the “fun, joy, spirit and power” in the work. "I feel like Susan has stepped into her superpower,” she said.

Almazol’s daughter, Octavia Baker, would agree as she said, “My mom is an explorer, a risk taker, and a doer.”

“I nicknamed her ‘can't stop, won't stop,’" said Baker, "for her endless curiosity about the world around her and her prolific ability to create in many art forms.”

Very proud of her mother and the tremendous strength and vitality she radiates, Baker said. “I'm always inspired by her courage to be (more than ‘age-defying’); she’s 'expansive and uncontainable.’ Those are words from her favorite author, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruna.”

‘Seize the Gaze’ opens May 3 and continues for eight weeks through June 29 at Joyce Gordon Gallery located at 406 - 14th St. (between Broadway & Franklin) in downtown Oakland. For more information, visit the Joyce Gordon Gallery website. (Photos: Chris Matos)

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