Instructions for Unrest: Art Against Complacency is a group exhibition exploring art as a catalyst for disruption, resistance, and social change. Curated by Alessandra Moctezuma, the exhibition brings together artists who use their work to question power, confront injustice, and challenge the impulse toward complacency.
Emerging from a moment of heightened political and social tension, the exhibition reflects on a time marked by protest, public dissent, and renewed calls for accountability. Through a range of materials and approaches, the featured works expose systems of inequity, challenge historical amnesia, and invite viewers to consider their own position within the structures these artists address. Together, they frame artistic expression as a vital form of civic engagement— one that not only reflects the present moment, but urges action in response to it.
The exhibition features work by Doris Bittar, Jennifer de Poyen, Electronic Disturbance Theater (EDT), Patricia Frischer, Terri Hughes-Oelrich, Linda Litteral, Nicole Gonzalez, Nick McPherson (Nicholas Danger), Teresa Mill, Michelle Montjoy, Marcos Ramirez ERRE, Katie Ruiz, Cameron York, and Claudia Biezunski-Rodriguez (Sew Loka).
Exhibition Details
Title: Instructions for Unrest: Art Against Complacency
Curators: Alessandra Moctezuma
Exhibit Dates: April 18 - May 14, 2026
Gallery Hours: Fridays 1-7 p.m.; Saturdays 12-6 p.m.; or by appointment
Opening Reception: April 18 | 4-7 p.m.
Artist Panel Discussion: May 14 | 6-8 p.m.
Free Workshops: Art Biz Workshop, April 20; Book Reading, May 3; Community Knitting Circle, April 25
Location: Art Produce Gallery, 3139 University Ave., San Diego
Presented by: Space 4 Art in partnership with Art Produce
Supported by: The Prebys Foundation Arts Ecosystem Grant
For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact Katie Ruiz: katie@sdspace4art.org.
This Space 4 Art-produced exhibition is the third of seven as part of our year-long residency at Art Produce, funded by a generous grant from the Prebys Foundation.
The year-long programming partnership between Space 4 Art and Art Produce aims to expand support for local artists, deepen community engagement, and strengthen the city’s creative ecosystem through exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, and cross-organizational collaboration.
The Prebys grant aims to help solve structural problems such as the lack of affordable arts spaces in which community-based groups like Space 4 Art can produce accessible arts programming.
The Space 4 Art @ initiative provides a synergistic means for activation at Art Produce, which remains fiercely committed to building on decades of creative experimentation and community-building in North Park.