Currently in its seventh exhibition at the Atlantic Wharf Gallery in downtown Boston, the group show Shared Habitat Earth is a vibrant and eclectic collection of works all connected to the central theme of combating climate change. The words “Shared Habitat Earth” came to local artist Barbara Eskin while walking through the woods, and the meaning behind them was revealed through conversations with her creative community. The intent of the show is to interweave art and activism, using the works as a way to inspire viewers into action, all the while keeping them grounded in their empathy and humanity. In the show’s description: Shared Habitat Earth (SHE) suggests cross species respect, intercultural solidarity and a shared sense of responsibility, and, in the face of enormous threats to our habitat, it calls for action. The 40 artists in the exhibition use their creativity to fight against … [Read more...] about A SKEPTICAL CELEBRATION
Artscope Issues
RENDERING DISORDER
Diana Zipeto, the Lowell-based artist who has built her career on the practice of rendering images, was shocked to discover that an MRI is more of a map than a photo. This fact is one that she gleaned through a combination of life experience and creative inquiry: after looking at MRIs capturing the progression of her father’s recently diagnosed Alzheimer’s, she found herself compelled to understand and render the images herself. Zipeto’s solo show, “Resonance,” on view at Galatea Fine Arts from December 2 through January 8, takes inspiration from these MRI images to present a portrait of one person’s struggle with disease and a loved one’s struggle to make sense of what it means. Though the upcoming exhibit will also feature mixed media pieces, including a LEGO model of an MRI procedure and small plastic model brains, Zipeto’s acrylic paintings comprise the main body of the show. … [Read more...] about RENDERING DISORDER
REINTRODUCING MARY ANN UNGER
Upon entering the expansive, light-filled space on the second floor of the Williams College Museum of Art, one can’t help but notice the elegance of the placement of the two- and three-dimensional works by Mary Ann Unger. Each area of the gallery is immensely focused, and the exhibition reads as a chronological map of the artist’s experience. There are a significant number of drawings that not only support the sculpture, but clearly depict the artist’s process. The exhibition makes a point of acknowledging the transformation from 2D surface into the sculptural, and all the stops in between. Co-curated by Allison Kaufman, the director of the Mary Ann Unger estate and curator Horace Ballard, this is the first solo exhibition in more than 20 years for the artist. The curatorial team was joined by Unger’s daughter, Eve Biddle, among other contributors, whose work is presented alongside … [Read more...] about REINTRODUCING MARY ANN UNGER
SIGNS OF THE HOUR
“The Sun Rises in the West and Sets in the East,” on view at Tufts University Art Gallery through December 11, begins in contrast. On one wall, two copper works by Nari Ward —“Restin’ Well” and “Restin’ Paradise” — draw the viewer to examine what look from afar like stars. The pieces radiate a spiritual energy, so bold they nearly have a sound and taste. On the opposite wall, 12 quietly vibrant watercolors by Ali Cherri hang in a row. Each depict a songbird lying dead. Taken together, the two set the tone for an exhibit rooted in place and perspective. In Ward’s works, copper nails punctuate a copper sheet treated with darkening patina to form concentrations reminiscent of constellations or points on a map. The symbols do, in a way, reference the sky: the formations are interpretations of the Congolese Cosmogram, a spiritual and cultural symbol core to Kongo culture from before … [Read more...] about SIGNS OF THE HOUR
SUSPENDED ANIMATION
I’ve written hundreds of reviews of galleries, museums and fine craft shows over the years, with many clever theme titles, but I must say this is among the cleverest titles I’ve seen. “Suspended Animation” is a fresh look at the concept and how it can be expressed as art. The mixed mediums of five artists span from assembly work, watercolor and oil paintings to found materials. The artwork selected for this exhibition offers perspectives on daily living and our connections to the spaces and structures of our lives. The diversity of this show adds immensely to the joy of experiencing it. There’s Andrew Chulyk, who won’t be limited by well-defined expectations. His career spans five decades and includes product and package design and works featured by the Society of Arts and Crafts and Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. His paintings have also been exhibited widely in museums and … [Read more...] about SUSPENDED ANIMATION
WEEKEND SAMPLER
How about a wonderful, wandering art-filled day trip (or two) through Seacoast New Hampshire and north to Portland? Sometimes it’s just plain exhilarating to jump in the convertible, head north to Maine (or whichever direction you begin from), and simply have fun. Let’s take a leisurely trip and check out some art venues. This trip covers everything from a start-up museum in an up-and-coming artsy town, to a chi-chi boutique-y gallery in Kittery, Maine, a historic former library for one spot and a long-standing prep school art gallery for another, and ends at a well-respected, established museum in Portland. Let’s get going — depending on how much viewing time you need this can be a whirlwind day or an entire weekend! (To read more, pick up a copy of our latest issue! Find a pick-up location near you or Subscribe Here.) … [Read more...] about WEEKEND SAMPLER