Coated / Coded

George Rodriguez Richard Saja Thomas Spoerndle

July 17th - September 21st 2025

Opening Reception: Thursday, July 17th 6 - 8 PM


UPSTATE ART WEEKEND

Extended Open Hours:
Friday, July 18th 1 - 5 PM
Saturday, July 19th 1 - 5 PM
Sunday, July 20th 1 - 5 PM

MAP

RUTHANN and CON ALTURA are pleased to present Coated / Coded, a three-person exhibition featuring George Rodriguez, Richard Saja, and Thomas Spoerndle. Working with ceramics, textiles, embroidery and traditional oil painting, these artists investigate cultural narratives, pattern, craft and perceptual play. There is joy and mischief afoot as they create their own unique systems and subvert our expectations.

Coated / Coded is a curatorial collaboration with CON ALTURA and Steve Rivera. CON ALTURA unapologetically celebrates artists of color and takes a worldwide perspective while sharing the voices of contemporary artists who are working with social justice issues and actively shaping the way we see ourselves and each other. 

George Rodriguez creates highly ornamented, figurative ceramic sculptures, often underlined by a connection to the sociopolitical issues the artist explores.

Richard Saja uses antique and vintage fabric designs to create embroidered inaccuracies and unexpected narratives. With a playful take on craft and textile, he joyfully sneaks in unusual details and cheeky winks.

Thomas Spoerndle explores visual rhythms and perception. The works are slowly built using subtle variations and over time subtle yet specific patterns emerge like a slow puzzle.

CON ALTURA