in this blast
:: The Dance on the Volcano: German Expressionism at the Wadsworth, Paul Manship: Ancient Made Modern, Todd Gray / MATRIX 186 and Goya, Posada, Chagoya: Three Generations of Satirists at Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art
:: Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts and Twilight of American Impressionism at Portsmouth Historical Society
:: Taking Shape: Abstraction from the Arab World, 1950s—1980 at McMullen Museum of Art
:: Sponsored by: Bromfield Gallery, New Britain Museum of American Art, Maynard As A Canvas, Fitchburg Art Museum, Array Contemporary, Kingston Gallery and Andy Moerlein Studios.
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This week we're presenting Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art, Portsmouth Historical Society and McMullen Museum with exhibitions showcasing art giving sentiment from years past, as well as art from the past itself. The featured artworks come from the early to late twentieth-century, taking with them the cultural and artistic attitudes of their time. Despite the age of each piece, all are still as beautiful and relevant as they were when they were first created.
- Kristin Wissler
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The Dance on the Volcano: German Expressionism at the Wadsworth, Paul Manship: Ancient Made Modern, Todd Gray / MATRIX 186 and Goya, Posada, Chagoya: Three Generations of Satirists at Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art
in Hartford, Connecticut through various dates
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Georg Tappert, Geisha-Revue, The Dance on the Volcano, 1911/13, oil on canvas, The Ella Gallup Sumner and Mary Catlin Sumner Collection Fund, © 2021 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / VG Bild- Kunst, Bonn.
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Four exhibits are currently on view at Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art, all very different, but each one worth seeing. The Dance of the Volcano: German Expressionism at the Wadsworth is on view through May 30, and is inspired by the museum's recent acquisition of "Geisha-Revue, The Dance on the Volcano" by Georg Tappert. This painting is joined by those of Tappert's contemporaries, including Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Erich Heckel, and Max Pechstein, offering a unique look early twentieth-century Expressionism. Paul Manship: Ancient Made Modern, on view through July 3, is a solo exhibit highlighting the work of sculptor Paul Manship, best known for his public commissions. His artistic training in Rome helped him develop a style reminiscent of the ancient masters, despite working in the early twentieth-century. Through July 18, Todd Gray / MATRIX 186 showcases the photographic work of Todd Gray. His expansive, unique assemblage of photographs explores the history of colonialism and slavery and its continued effect on the African diaspora. Goya, Posada, Chagoya: Three Generations of Satirists, on through November 7, explores American and Mexican culture through the eyes and art of Francisco Goya (1746—1828), José Guadalupe Posada (1852—1913) and Enrique Chagoya (b. 1953). The juxtaposition of these artists' work creates a visual dialogue of the human condition, showing the evolution of mythology, culture and politics. All four of these exhibits explore unique artwork by incredible artists throughout the ages, offering something appealing and challenging for every viewer. In addition to these exhibits, the Wadsworth Athenaeum's "May Flowers" event is taking place April 30—May 23, in which viewers can see and vote on different flower arrangements. The first one will be on view from April 30—May 2, and is arranged by Ona McLaughlin and Patsy Mylchreest of the Middletown Garden Club. Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art is located at 600 Main Street in Hartford, Connecticut and is open Friday 12:00—8:00 p.m. and Saturday—Sunday 12:00—5:00 p.m. For more information, visit thewadsworth.org/explore/on-view.
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Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts and Twilight of American Impressionism at Portsmouth Historical Society
in Portsmouth, New Hampshire through September 12
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Alice Ruggles Sohier, Spruce in Snow, ca. 1912, oil on canvas; 8" x 10", private collection.
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Portsmouth Historical Society is showing two exhibits through September 12. Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts is a solo exhibit highlighting the work of New England artist Don Gorvett. Raised in Massachusetts, Gorvett has spent summers painting in Maine and started his own gallery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, all the while growing an appreciation for the coastlines and harbors of New England. Working Waterfronts displays sixty of his well-known prints, depicting seascapes and boats. His prints combine mechanical, gritty manmade structures with serene, natural backgrounds. Also at Portsmouth Historical Society is Twilight of American Impressionism, which explores the art of American Impressionists Alice Ruggles Sohier and Frederick A. Bosley. The two were painting at a time when realistic art was falling out of fashion in favor of more abstract art. Regardless, Sohier and Bosley painted impressionist works until their deaths in the mid-twentieth century. These works have rarely been seen in public since their creation, offering a look into both artists' challenges and triumphs. The guest curator of the exhibit, William Brewster, is a descendent of both artists (Sohier's sister married Bosley) and brings a wealth of knowledge to the exhibit. Both Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts and Twilight of American Impressionism showcase New England artists whose artworks have withstood the test of time and continue to captivate viewers to this day. Portsmouth Historical Society is located at 10 Middle Street in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and is open 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. daily. For more information, visit portsmouthhistory.org.
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Taking Shape: Abstraction from the Arab World, 1950s—1980 at McMullen Museum of Art
in Boston, Massachusetts through June 6
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Abdallah Benanteur (Mostaganem, Algeria, 1931—Ivry-sur-Seine, France, 2017), To Monet, Giverny, 1983, oil on canvas, 47.3" × 47.3".
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Taking Shape: Abstractions from the Arab World, 1950s—1980 is on view at McMullen Museum of Art through June 6. Taking Shape explores mid-twentieth century abstract art from North Africa, West Asia and the Arab diaspora, an area encompassing a huge variety of cultures, ethnicities, languages and more. Almost ninety artworks are on view by artists from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As a result, no two pieces in the exhibit are alike, aside from their abstract nature. Much of this art is in response to the cultural and political forces at work in the Arab world at the time it was made, such as decolonialization, socialism, war, the oil boom and more. The featured artists took the Western practice of abstraction and expanded it by adding Arabic and Islamic elements. "How do we study abstraction across different contexts, and what modes of analysis do we use?" asks the exhibit description. Taking Shape "rethinks historical art canons," exposing viewers to a unique world of abstraction. McMullen Museum of Art is located at 2101 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts and is open Monday—Friday, 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. by appointment only. For more information, visit bc.edu/artmuseum/exhibitions/taking-shape.
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Sponsored by: Bromfield Gallery, New Britain Museum of American Art, Maynard As A Canvas, Fitchburg Art Museum, Array Contemporary, Kingston Gallery and Andy Moerlein Studios.
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Lesley Cohen, Fluctuation, 2020, charcoal and pastel, 28“ x 35.5”.
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Elizabeth Strasser, Still Life with vessel and Adaptation, 2021, stoneware clay and dryer lint, 16” x 16” x 15”, The White Plate, 2021, oil on canvas, 19” x 20”.
From May 5—May 30, Bromfield Gallery presents “(IN)Between” by Lesley Cohen, abstract drawings that explore transitional space; and “Still Life” by Elizabeth Strasser, paintings and ceramics that celebrate the pulse of life in times of uncertainty. The opening reception is Friday, May 7, from 6:00 p.m.—8:30 p.m.
Bromfield Gallery
450 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA
Friday—Sunday, 12:00—5:00 p.m.
(617) 451-3605
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New Britain Museum of American Art
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Jennifer Wen Ma, Rendering of An Inward Sea, 2021.
The New Britain Museum of American Art presents NEW/NOW Jenifer Wen Ma: An Inward Sea, opening May 13. This exhibition explores themes of utopia, dystopia and the human condition while reflecting deeply on events of the last year—the COVID-19 pandemic, extensive shutdowns and racial justice uprising in the US.
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Maynard Cultural District seeks Professional MURAL ARTISTS
The Maynard Sesquicentennial Committee and the Maynard Cultural Council announce the next "Maynard as a Canvas" mural project. Submissions due 5/15.
Theme: Maynard: Past, Present and Future.
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The BIG Picture: Giant Photographs and Powerful Portfolios at Fitchburg Art Museum
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Ruben Natal-San Miguel, Untitled (Balloons), Coney Island, Brooklyn, NYC, 2015, Kodak Endura metallic print, 24” x 36,” gift of Dr. Anthony Terrana, 2018.217.
In Fitchburg, Massachusetts through June 6, 2021
Final chance! Explore larger than life images on view in the Fitchburg Art Museum’s exhibition The BIG Picture: Giant Photographs and Powerful Portfolios through June 6. Discover exciting recent acquisitions to the Fitchburg Art Museum’s growing collection of photography: from huge digital color prints to portfolios of related works by innovative contemporary artists. Experience this immersive show today. Learn more and plan your visit at: fitchburgartmuseum.org/the-big-picture
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Array Contemporary is thrilled to present 'Collective Consciousness'. The collective consciousness informs our sense of belonging and identity and our behavior. A fresh look at how individual artists interpret shared perceptions, images, and beliefs.
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May 5—May 30
Opening Reception: Friday, May 7, 5:00—8:00 p.m.
“Bycatch”, Elif Soyer
“Korondaşlar”, Ayşe Goloğlu
“Gathering: Homage to Tree and Home”, Ann Wessmann
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Complex (horizontal), 2021, locust on red oak.
wood stone poem
Meditations on The Natural by Andy Moerlein
May 5—June 6, 2021
Featuring: Guest Artists Mary Graham, JooLee Kang and Wen-hao Tien
@ Boston Sculptors Gallery
wood stone poem presents a grand accumulation of ideas referencing stone appreciation and the cultivation of Bonsai. It will be a series of small objects, some exploratory drawing and paintings, plus some bold installation work.
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As always, information on upcoming exhibits and performing arts events can be sent to pr@artscopemagazine.com, to appear in the magazine or in e-blasts such as this. Want to advertise? Reach us here for more information. To learn more about sponsoring these email blasts, contact us at advertise@artscopemagazine.com or call 617-639-5771.
Kristin Wissler
Artscope email blast! editor
phone: 617-639-5771
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