Episode No. 781 of The Modern Art Notes Podcast features artist Clare Rojas and curator Hillary Olcutt.
The Columbus (Ohio) Museum of Art is presenting “Clare Rojas: Returning” a survey of 60 works the Ohio-born Rojas has made mostly over the last decade. It particularly spotlights works Rojas has made that examine the cyclical nature of life. “Rojas” was curated by Katherine Brodbeck and is on view through February 7, 2027.
Rojas’ distinct visual language is equally comfortable presenting figurative scenes and minimal abstract compositions that feature symbology and fantasy. Her pictures often engage with fauna and Peruvian mythology. Rojas’ work has been included in exhibitions at museums such as SFMOMA, the de Young Museum, San Francisco, The Contemporary Austin, and more. This is her most significant museum solo show to date.
As discussed on the program:
- Peggy Honeywell discography (Rojas’ musician alter ego);
- “Floriography Journal,” 2010 book.
- Clare Rojas wallpapers.
Olcutt is the curator of “Rooted in Place: California Native Art” at the de Young Museum, San Francisco. The presentation, part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco’s reimagining of its Arts of Indigenous America galleries, is the first in a series of exhibitions that highlights specific regions of Native California. This first installation looks at art from northwestern California, home to the Karuk, Yurok, Hupa, Tolowa, Tsnungwe, and Wiyot communities. It’s on view through June 6, 2027.
Instagram: Clare Rojas, Tyler Green.
Air date: October 22, 2026.

Clare Rojas, We Are All in the Same Boat, 2023.

Clare Rojas, Walking in Rainbow Rain, 2021.

Clare Rojas, The Stallion, 2024.

Clare Rojas, Sail Away, 2024.

Clare Rojas, Rain at Sea, 2024.

Clare Rojas. Cutting Water, 2024.

Clare Rojas, Everything is Everything, 2021.

Clare Rojas, Untitled, 2018.

Clare Rojas, A Woman’s Head in the Fern, 2025.

Clare Rojas, Opening Night, 2024.

Clare Rojas, I’m still pretty bouquet, 2023.

Clare Rojas, Ominous Nature of Fog, 2020.

Shoshoni Gensaw-Hostler, Holding Prayer, 2024.

Elizabeth Hickox, Gift basket, ca. 1915.

Brian D. Tripp, Some Day You Might Have to Fight For What You Believe In, 1999.

Rick Bartow, The Magical Mind in Rural America, 2015.

Brittany R. Britton, A Measure of Something, 2017.
