Institute of Contemporary Art San José
560 South First Street, San José, CA 95113
SoFA District
Monday | Closed
Tuesday | Closed
Wednesday | Closed
Thursday | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, March 22 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Join the Institute of Contemporary Art San José for an inspiring evening as we celebrate the opening of Esteban Raheem Abdul Raheem Samayoa’s first institutional solo exhibition, Blood Be Water. The opening night of this incredible exhibition will be accompanied by a vibrant night market showcasing community partners, small businesses, art activities, and live music. With guests joining us from the greater Bay Area and beyond, we invite you to be a part of this extraordinary evening filled with community bonding and celebration.
"Esteban Raheem Abdul Raheem Samayoa: Blood Be Water" March 22 - August 24, 2025
In his first solo institutional exhibition, Blood Be Water, Esteban Raheem Abdul Raheem Samayoa presents an immersive installation featuring new airbrushed paintings, charcoal drawings, oil pastels, and ceramics. Drawing from muralism, street art, and Latin American folk traditions, Samayoa constructs a visually striking, deeply personal exploration of heritage, identity, and transformation.
The exhibition’s title challenges the saying “blood is thicker than water,” which prioritizes familial bonds over chosen relationships. Instead, Blood Be Water reflects on the power of community as a form of family, questioning how we are all shaped by both lineage and lived experience. Inspired by the biblical act of turning water into wine, Samayoa sees transformation as a sacred force—one that allows individuals to redefine themselves despite inherited circumstances.At its core, Blood Be Water is about resilience—the ability to pull through adversity, to embrace change, and build connections that transcend bloodlines. Through his art, Samayoa creates a space where personal and collective histories intersect, fostering a sense of belonging and self-understanding. Curated by Zoë Latzer, Curator and Director of Public Programs.
"Who ‘Am’ I Without You?" April 4 - August 24, 2025
In collaboration with San José State University (SJSU), the ICA San José is proud to showcase the exhibition Who ‘Am’ I Without You? In addition to their solo thesis exhibitions, San José State University’s (SJSU) MFA Candidates participate in a group exhibition and collaborate with MA Candidates in Art History and Visual Culture to create the annual, Lift Off Catalogue. Hosted this year at the ICA San José, the twelve students showcase a wide range of mediums including painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, photography, digital art, and multidisciplinary installation.
Images:
Esteban Raheem Abdul Raheem Samayoa sitting in his studio. February 12, 2025. Image courtesy of photographer, Max Hummels.
Esteban Raheem Abdul Raheem Samayoa.
Mary Morse, Inside Looking Out(side Looking In), Installation View, Needle Felted Wool, Brass, Dichroic Acrylic, Acrylic Paintings on Canvas | Courtesy of the Artist