Intersections in Contemporary Art
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MERGE MODERN Announces:
Launch Party | Opening Exhibition: MERGE: Intersections in Contemporary Art
A celebration of cultural diversity, individual expression, and the evolving landscape of contemporary art in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO | December 12, 2026
Merge Modern is pleased to announce the launch opening of its new gallery space at the Gizmo Arts Building in downtown Albuquerque. The gallery will celebrate this milestone with MERGE: Intersections in Contemporary Art, an expansive group exhibition featuring New Mexico artists working across diverse mediums, disciplines, and creative practices.
The opening reception will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 5–9 PM, welcoming the community to experience the gallery's new space, engage with contemporary artwork, and celebrate the artists contributing to New Mexico's evolving creative landscape.
A Reflection of New Mexico's Cultural Landscape
New Mexico has long been a place where cultures, histories, and perspectives intersect. For thousands of years, Indigenous communities have shaped the region's cultural foundations. Centuries of Spanish colonization, Mexican history, American expansion, and generations of migration have contributed to a complex and continually evolving cultural identity.
These histories have not always existed in harmony. They carry stories of resilience, conflict, adaptation, preservation, and exchange. Yet together, they form part of the rich and multifaceted character that makes New Mexico unlike anywhere else.
Today, the state remains home to people representing a remarkable range of cultural backgrounds, identities, generations, and lived experiences. This diversity is reflected not only in its traditions and history but also in the contemporary voices shaping its future.
MERGE: Intersections in Contemporary Art draws inspiration from this complexity, celebrating the many perspectives that contribute to New Mexico's artistic community.
Rather than defining contemporary art through a single cultural narrative, aesthetic, or artistic movement, the exhibition embraces the idea that creativity emerges from a multitude of experiences and influences.
Where Individual Perspectives Meet
At its core, MERGE explores the intersections between people, ideas, identities, and artistic practices.
The exhibition brings together artists whose work represents a broad spectrum of contemporary expression, from painting and mixed media to sculpture, photography, jewelry, and other creative disciplines.
Some artists draw directly from cultural heritage, family histories, or personal identity. Others explore abstraction, material experimentation, social commentary, emotional experience, or the relationship between people and their environments.
Together, these approaches create an exhibition that celebrates individuality while recognizing the connections that exist between seemingly different perspectives.
The exhibition does not seek to present a single definition of New Mexican art. Instead, it offers a broader view of the creative community, one in which artists are free to express their own ideas, experiences, and artistic identities without being confined to expectations of what regional art should look like.
A Vision for Connection and Creative Exchange
For founder, director, and curator Angie Rehnberg, the exhibition reflects both the philosophy behind Merge Modern and a larger vision for its place within Albuquerque's contemporary arts community.
"New Mexico has always been a place where different cultures, histories, and ways of seeing the world intersect. That's part of what makes this place so interesting and unique. I wanted this exhibition to reflect that same diversity within our creative community, bringing together artists with different backgrounds, experiences, and approaches to making art.
"To me, contemporary art is not one particular style or perspective. It's an ongoing conversation, shaped by the people creating it and the world around them. Merge Modern is about making space for those different voices and allowing them to exist alongside one another."
This philosophy extends beyond the exhibition itself.
Merge Modern aims to foster an inclusive and artist-centered environment where established and emerging artists can exhibit, collaborate, and connect with new audiences. The gallery seeks to encourage dialogue across artistic disciplines and generations while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between artists and the broader community.
Contemporary Art Beyond Traditional Boundaries
As Albuquerque's creative landscape continues to grow, Merge Modern hopes to contribute to a more expansive understanding of contemporary art in New Mexico.
The gallery recognizes the importance of the region's established artistic traditions while embracing experimentation, unconventional approaches, and new creative voices.
MERGE: Intersections in Contemporary Art represents this balance between history and possibility.
By presenting artists whose work spans different disciplines, aesthetics, and personal experiences, the exhibition encourages visitors to consider how contemporary art reflects the world we inhabit today.
It is an opportunity to discover unexpected connections, encounter unfamiliar perspectives, and appreciate the distinct creative contributions of each participating artist.
The exhibition also reflects the belief that meaningful cultural exchange does not require uniformity. Differences in background, identity, and artistic expression can coexist while creating opportunities for greater understanding and connection.
A New Chapter for Merge Modern
Founded by Albuquerque-based artist and independent curator Angie Rehnberg, Merge Modern is an artist-run contemporary art gallery dedicated to showcasing diverse creative voices and fostering connections within New Mexico's arts community.
The move to the Gizmo Arts Building marks an important new chapter for the gallery, providing an expanded space for exhibitions, artist representation, creative programming, workshops, and community engagement.
Located in downtown Albuquerque, the new gallery will serve as a platform for both established and emerging artists, supporting contemporary practices while encouraging collaboration and dialogue.
The gallery's programming will include rotating exhibitions, curated presentations, artist-focused events, and opportunities for the public to engage directly with the creative process.
With MERGE: Intersections in Contemporary Art, Merge Modern introduces its new home through an exhibition that reflects its guiding philosophy: that art has the ability to bring together different experiences, challenge assumptions, and create meaningful connections.
Launch Party Opening Celebration
The public is invited to join Merge Modern for its launch opening reception on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 5–9 PM, at the Gizmo Arts Building in downtown Albuquerque.
The evening will feature the inaugural exhibition, live artistic performances, and an opportunity to meet participating artists and celebrate the opening of the gallery's new space.
MERGE: Intersections in Contemporary Art will remain on exhibition for a minimum of two months, with additional opportunities to visit during regular gallery hours and upcoming First Friday events.
About Merge Modern
Merge Modern is an artist-run contemporary art gallery based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded by artist and independent curator Angie Rehnberg, the gallery is dedicated to presenting diverse artistic perspectives, supporting New Mexico artists, and creating opportunities for creative exchange.
Through thoughtfully curated exhibitions, artist representation, and community programming, Merge Modern seeks to foster an inclusive environment where different disciplines, generations, and creative voices intersect.
Event Information
Exhibition: MERGE: Intersections in Contemporary Art
Launch Party | Opening reception : Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time: 5–9 PM
Location: Merge Modern, Gizmo Arts Building, Downtown Albuquerque, NM
Website: www.mergemodern.org
Instagram: @mergemodern
Media Contact
Angie Rehnberg
Founder | Director | Curator
Merge Modern
www.mergemodern.org
MERGE MODERN Announces:
Launch Party | Opening Exhibition: MERGE: Intersections in Contemporary Art
A celebration of cultural diversity, individual expression, and the evolving landscape of contemporary art in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO | December 12, 2026
Merge Modern is pleased to announce the launch opening of its new gallery space at the Gizmo Arts Building in downtown Albuquerque. The gallery will celebrate this milestone with MERGE: Intersections in Contemporary Art, an expansive group exhibition featuring New Mexico artists working across diverse mediums, disciplines, and creative practices.
The opening reception will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 5–9 PM, welcoming the community to experience the gallery's new space, engage with contemporary artwork, and celebrate the artists contributing to New Mexico's evolving creative landscape.
A Reflection of New Mexico's Cultural Landscape
New Mexico has long been a place where cultures, histories, and perspectives intersect. For thousands of years, Indigenous communities have shaped the region's cultural foundations. Centuries of Spanish colonization, Mexican history, American expansion, and generations of migration have contributed to a complex and continually evolving cultural identity.
These histories have not always existed in harmony. They carry stories of resilience, conflict, adaptation, preservation, and exchange. Yet together, they form part of the rich and multifaceted character that makes New Mexico unlike anywhere else.
Today, the state remains home to people representing a remarkable range of cultural backgrounds, identities, generations, and lived experiences. This diversity is reflected not only in its traditions and history but also in the contemporary voices shaping its future.
MERGE: Intersections in Contemporary Art draws inspiration from this complexity, celebrating the many perspectives that contribute to New Mexico's artistic community.
Rather than defining contemporary art through a single cultural narrative, aesthetic, or artistic movement, the exhibition embraces the idea that creativity emerges from a multitude of experiences and influences.
Where Individual Perspectives Meet
At its core, MERGE explores the intersections between people, ideas, identities, and artistic practices.
The exhibition brings together artists whose work represents a broad spectrum of contemporary expression, from painting and mixed media to sculpture, photography, jewelry, and other creative disciplines.
Some artists draw directly from cultural heritage, family histories, or personal identity. Others explore abstraction, material experimentation, social commentary, emotional experience, or the relationship between people and their environments.
Together, these approaches create an exhibition that celebrates individuality while recognizing the connections that exist between seemingly different perspectives.
The exhibition does not seek to present a single definition of New Mexican art. Instead, it offers a broader view of the creative community, one in which artists are free to express their own ideas, experiences, and artistic identities without being confined to expectations of what regional art should look like.
A Vision for Connection and Creative Exchange
For founder, director, and curator Angie Rehnberg, the exhibition reflects both the philosophy behind Merge Modern and a larger vision for its place within Albuquerque's contemporary arts community.
"New Mexico has always been a place where different cultures, histories, and ways of seeing the world intersect. That's part of what makes this place so interesting and unique. I wanted this exhibition to reflect that same diversity within our creative community, bringing together artists with different backgrounds, experiences, and approaches to making art.
"To me, contemporary art is not one particular style or perspective. It's an ongoing conversation, shaped by the people creating it and the world around them. Merge Modern is about making space for those different voices and allowing them to exist alongside one another."
This philosophy extends beyond the exhibition itself.
Merge Modern aims to foster an inclusive and artist-centered environment where established and emerging artists can exhibit, collaborate, and connect with new audiences. The gallery seeks to encourage dialogue across artistic disciplines and generations while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between artists and the broader community.
Contemporary Art Beyond Traditional Boundaries
As Albuquerque's creative landscape continues to grow, Merge Modern hopes to contribute to a more expansive understanding of contemporary art in New Mexico.
The gallery recognizes the importance of the region's established artistic traditions while embracing experimentation, unconventional approaches, and new creative voices.
MERGE: Intersections in Contemporary Art represents this balance between history and possibility.
By presenting artists whose work spans different disciplines, aesthetics, and personal experiences, the exhibition encourages visitors to consider how contemporary art reflects the world we inhabit today.
It is an opportunity to discover unexpected connections, encounter unfamiliar perspectives, and appreciate the distinct creative contributions of each participating artist.
The exhibition also reflects the belief that meaningful cultural exchange does not require uniformity. Differences in background, identity, and artistic expression can coexist while creating opportunities for greater understanding and connection.
A New Chapter for Merge Modern
Founded by Albuquerque-based artist and independent curator Angie Rehnberg, Merge Modern is an artist-run contemporary art gallery dedicated to showcasing diverse creative voices and fostering connections within New Mexico's arts community.
The move to the Gizmo Arts Building marks an important new chapter for the gallery, providing an expanded space for exhibitions, artist representation, creative programming, workshops, and community engagement.
Located in downtown Albuquerque, the new gallery will serve as a platform for both established and emerging artists, supporting contemporary practices while encouraging collaboration and dialogue.
The gallery's programming will include rotating exhibitions, curated presentations, artist-focused events, and opportunities for the public to engage directly with the creative process.
With MERGE: Intersections in Contemporary Art, Merge Modern introduces its new home through an exhibition that reflects its guiding philosophy: that art has the ability to bring together different experiences, challenge assumptions, and create meaningful connections.
Launch Party Opening Celebration
The public is invited to join Merge Modern for its launch opening reception on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 5–9 PM, at the Gizmo Arts Building in downtown Albuquerque.
The evening will feature the inaugural exhibition, live artistic performances, and an opportunity to meet participating artists and celebrate the opening of the gallery's new space.
MERGE: Intersections in Contemporary Art will remain on exhibition for a minimum of two months, with additional opportunities to visit during regular gallery hours and upcoming First Friday events.
About Merge Modern
Merge Modern is an artist-run contemporary art gallery based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded by artist and independent curator Angie Rehnberg, the gallery is dedicated to presenting diverse artistic perspectives, supporting New Mexico artists, and creating opportunities for creative exchange.
Through thoughtfully curated exhibitions, artist representation, and community programming, Merge Modern seeks to foster an inclusive environment where different disciplines, generations, and creative voices intersect.
Event Information
Exhibition: MERGE: Intersections in Contemporary Art
Launch Party | Opening reception : Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time: 5–9 PM
Location: Merge Modern, Gizmo Arts Building, Downtown Albuquerque, NM
Website: www.mergemodern.org
Instagram: @mergemodern
Media Contact
Angie Rehnberg
Founder | Director | Curator
Merge Modern
www.mergemodern.org
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410 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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Host or PublisherMerge Modern
