Printmaker and sculptor Elizabeth Catlett, who died in 2012, still feels quite alive through her life’s work. I visited the Cantor Gallery at the College of the Holy Cross having intentionally avoided reviewing the press material sent for its “The Art of Elizabeth Catlett from the Collection of Samella Lewis” so that I would react to the art without preconception. That changed in hurry as I realized that much of her work had been a subliminal part of my life, whether seeing it growing up in the city that gave the world Abbie Hoffmanand that had many social programs in its neighborhoods, or in my teenage years that followed as I became more aware of social and political protests. It felt warm and familiar and my thoughts turned to wondering how the college students who get to use the show as a backdrop for their fall studies were reacting to the work at a time that on-campus activism … [Read more...] about STILL CONFRONTING INJUSTICE: ELIZABETH CATLETT’S TIMELESS WORKS AT CANTOR GALLERY
Reviews
DOUBLE MEANINGS AT WORK: ROY AND LAU’S ABSTRACT CONNECTIONS AT MONTSERRAT
It’s difficult to make out what you’re looking at. At first, it seems vaguely like an upside-down human head. But what would serve as a skull is a black vessel imprinted with flowers and leaves, and a raven ponytail grows out a would-be neck. Then there are the tan and lace-like patches creating a checkered patchwork across what would be a face, and the cream-colored nodules and protuberances growing nearly everywhere — some of which resemble reproductive organs. Meanwhile, a vastly different piece holds a similar curiosity: The silhouette of a chicken runs across dozens of rectangles on a Japanese paint color chart; the many hues arranged in neat rows include “luminous lemon,” “primary magenta” and “leaf green.” The former, “Ch’ing Nasty,” is a paper and hair collage by Jessica Lau; the latter a monotype by Rob Roy. (To read more, pick up a copy of our latest issue! Find a … [Read more...] about DOUBLE MEANINGS AT WORK: ROY AND LAU’S ABSTRACT CONNECTIONS AT MONTSERRAT
QUARANTINE, GRIEF, REGROWTH: PETLER FINDS COMFORT THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY AT PINE MANOR
Tamar Orell Petler turned — as many of us often do — to nature for solace during Covid, especially when her beloved father, Izack Alkalay, passed at age 102 from the virus in November 2020 in Israel, just before a vaccine was available. She kept taking photographs and found that after over a year, her work could constitute her very first solo exhibit at Pine Manor College, Chestnut Hill, where Petler is the graphic designer and staff photographer. The photos create a triptych: “Quarantine, Grief, Regrowth” will be in two rooms (the first room with the first two chapters and then a second room around the corner for “Regrowth”). Eight by eight-inch and 8 by 10-inch framed color prints will hang on the walls but also a journey of small photos will be suspended on a line from the ceiling, a bit like a movie. Petler was born in Israel and grew up in Haifa. She studied photography in … [Read more...] about QUARANTINE, GRIEF, REGROWTH: PETLER FINDS COMFORT THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY AT PINE MANOR
A SPACE FOR DIALOGUE: HOOD EXHIBITION CONFRONTS DISABILITY BIASES
The Hood Museum at Dartmouth College is home to an innovative program allowing student curators to create an exhibition from concept to realization, producing all aspects of their self-defined project including writing wall text and a brochure, choosing wall colors, frames and object placement, and giving a public talk. With the support of faculty and experienced curators, once a theme has been specified, students have access to the vast collection held by the Hood, with wide-reaching opportunities to choose works which best represent their curatorial intent. The program, known as “A Space for Dialogue,” debuted in 2001 and has brought over 580 works into community and public view. Amelia Kahl is Curator of Academic Programming for the Hood, and oversees A Space for Dialogue. “Working with interns to develop their A Space for Dialogue exhibitions is one of the most satisfying parts of … [Read more...] about A SPACE FOR DIALOGUE: HOOD EXHIBITION CONFRONTS DISABILITY BIASES
A RETURN TO COMMUNITY: KIMBALL JENKINS HOSTS PROVOCATIVE KELLEY STELLING SHOW
In the early days of the pandemic, nearly 18 months ago, I asked artist friends if they were working through the pandemic, perhaps with more time and less resources, or whether they were experiencing a shift in daily ritual and creativity. Most said they were planning on working, but as the days of isolation and lockdown and diminished social contact wore on, I heard a shift in tone. One artist said, “I’ve stopped. I want to see where this is going to go. I don’t want my work to be about this.” Several months later, deep into the pandemic, another artist friend remarked, “I’m sensing nostalgia creeping into everything I do.” After long periods of loss and displacement, it is not unusual to feel a longing for a time before. The very meaning of the word is about returning home nostos and yearning algia. Isolation from social interaction and community can be devastating, and result in … [Read more...] about A RETURN TO COMMUNITY: KIMBALL JENKINS HOSTS PROVOCATIVE KELLEY STELLING SHOW
CULTIVATING THE ART OF WATERCOLORS: CONNECTICUT’S ARTS CENTER EAST TO HOST REGIONAL BIENNIAL
The venerable biennial juried show of the New England Watercolor Society (NEWS) is being held from October 3 through 31 at Arts Center East in Vernon, Connecticut, and its 66 selected works promise to shine light, color and quite possibly the rather elusive gift of hope to people who come to see the region’s reflections. Adjudicated by the renowned wildlife painter, Anni Crouter, the mix of subjects and styles on display reflect New England’s complexity. By electing to mount this biennial in varied locales, NEWS hopes to cultivate both new members and new audiences. (To read more, pick up a copy of our latest issue! Find a pick-up location near you or Subscribe Here.) … [Read more...] about CULTIVATING THE ART OF WATERCOLORS: CONNECTICUT’S ARTS CENTER EAST TO HOST REGIONAL BIENNIAL