“Emily in the River,” by Cig Harvey.

The Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA) in Rockland invites the public to celebrate its fall exhibitions with a reception for the artists from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 2.

On view throughout the galleries are solo exhibitions by Ryan Adams and Hiraki Sawa and the thematic group exhibitions “Spatial Relations” and “Into Action.” The event will include an informal gallery talk by all three “Spatial Relations” artists: Elizabeth Atterbury, Gordon Hall and Anna Hepler. The event is free and open to the public.

“This is Black Art,” by Ryan Adams.

NEW EXHIBITIONS AT CMCA

Ryan Adams | “Lessons” :: Oct. 1 to Jan. 9

The focal point of Adams’ solo exhibition is a 33-foot-long mural titled “Switch the Code.” The title refers to the practice of code-switching, where individuals purposefully change their speech, behavior and/or appearance to be seen outside of stereotypical assumptions and accepted within a majority culture. The mural is accompanied by a series of recent paintings.

“Absent,” by Hiraki Sawa.

“Into Action” :: Oct. 1 to Jan. 9

“Into Action” features photographic works set in nature that document actions as they naturally occurred, actions as they were performed for the camera,  interactions created in post-production, or propose actions to be taken by viewers. The exhibition features works by Jennifer Calivas, Mark Dorf, Ray Ewing, Cig Harvey, Julie Poitros Santos and Shoshanna White.

“Negative Space Box,” by Gordon Hall,

“Spatial Relations” :: Oct. 1 to Jan. 9

The exhibition brings together a broad range of sculptures by Elizabeth Atterbury, Gordon Hall and Anna Hepler that were created to rest directly on the floor or lean on or hang from the walls. All three artists create works with strong contours and a visibly direct use of materials, including wood, ceramic, metal, concrete, cardboard and paper. In addition, each employs color as an embellishment, ranging from paint and pigment to colored pencil and stain.

Hiraki Sawa | “Absent” :: Oct. 1 to Jan. 9

Hiraki Sawa’s most recent single channel video, “Absent” (2018), presents scenes from an intimate and imaginative world, populated by surreal creatures that travel between grand and intimate landscapes. Sawa’s landscapes rest majestically within his circular projection, while his creatures (i.e., a walking tea kettle, a dancing cup, a flying spoon) emerge from the periphery, building a sense of anticipation for their arrival as the video progresses.

CMCA is located at 21 Winter St., Rockland. Summer hours are in effect through Oct. 31: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, go to https://cmcanow.org.