One single cut can change everything. Two creatives explore the power of cutting with their mixed media pieces in an exhibit at the Allan Hancock College art gallery, which is up through Dec. 2.
“Rather than erasing the past, the artists embrace it as part of the creative process, transforming existing elements into new compositions that challenge viewers to look beyond the finished work and consider how it came to be,” according to a press release.
Raphaele Cohen-Bacry and Juan Manuel Perez Salazar use cuts literally and figuratively in their creative practices.
“Their works reveal traces of what existed before while inviting viewers to consider how destruction, alteration, and reconstruction can lead to new creative practices,” the gallery announced.
Mixed media work, like The Advisors (pictured) by Cohen-Bacry, are up for public viewing at no cost. Visit the Ann Foxworthy Gallery in Building L at the Hancock campus, located at 800 S. College Drive in Santa Maria. It’s open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment if coordinated with co-director Elizabeth Russell, who can be reached at erussell@hancockcollege.edu.
See more work by the two artists on Instagram @raphaelecohenbacrystudio and @juanmanuelperezsalazar.
This article appears in November 5 – November 12, 2026.
