Alien is one of those English language words that has multiple meanings. Primary definitions include things that belong to a foreign country or nation; something unfamiliar or disturbing; plants or animals that were introduced to a new environment and naturalized; and beings from other worlds. In a contemporary context, with social and cultural concerns so present in conversation, the ideas associated with the word alien are especially layered and complex.

Alien Invasion: (Un)Familiar Forms in Contemporary Art features objects and images from the museum’s collection that are both fantastical and familiar. The contemporary artists whose works are featured—many of whom use the natural world as inspiration—do not shy away from the over-sized, dramatic, or intriguing.

This exhibition has an online counterpart that focuses on current work produced by members of RAM’s community. RAM invites you to submit work to this Virtual Community Show from April 15 through June 28, 2021.