2010 Artists of the Mohawk-Hudson Region, The Hyde Collection, Glens Falls, NY (photo credit: mclaughlinphoto.com)
I want everyone to see this show. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an art enthusiast or someone who has never set foot in a museum. The 2010 Artists of the Mohawk-Hudson Region at the Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, NY is an eclectic, yet intelligent and engaging visual dialogue with some of the finest living artists in this region who offer surprising insights into the shifting realities of our current culture.
Nothing is as it seems.
Glancing quickly around the gallery, I took in the visual feast of styles and mediums: a photo from an iPhone, wall textiles, video, glass blown over pine cones, a jewelry pendant in the shape of Lake George, watercolors, a doll house, oil paintings, photography, a taxidermy bobcat. Once I took the time to explore each piece in detail however, I saw their deeper meaning and discovered the thread that unites them as juror Charles Desmarais explains in his essay. The show is about modern life and the “negotiation between what things are and what they first appear to be.”
As a participating artist (see The Rewards of Perseverance), I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Desmarais at the opening reception. As we briefly discussed my work, Woodland Temple, I kept referring to it as a gourd, while he referred to it as a temple. “Which is it?” he asked me. “A gourd or a temple?” Knowing its origin, I couldn’t help seeing it as a gourd, but then I realized that most people would immediately recognize it as a temple. It is both, yet at the same time, it is neither. Nothing is as it seems.
Photo images cannot compare to the experience of seeing the entire exhibition in person, but here are a few visual treats from the seventy-two pieces in the show, along with a some of my personal notes:
Clouds……or maybe a dust storm…….or both? A definite Presence.
"Presence" by Jane Bloodgood-Abrams
This photograph stopped me dead in my tracks. Who is this child? What is his life like? What about the man in the background?
"Carter Campbell" by Peter Crabtree
Chenille!
"Cove" by Ginger Ertz
A labyrinth among the tornadoes. . . .
"Labyrinth" by John Hampshire
Pure sensual enjoyment. . . . . .I want to touch these. . . . . . .
"Akin" (closeup) by Betsy Brandt
Look at the images first, then read the title.
"Afghan Journalists" by Connie Frisbee Houde
This piece is next to my Woodland Temple. I found it disturbing when I first saw it. As I thought about it afterwards and considered the title, I decided that spirit animals are never as they seem and perhaps this one is meant to be the guardian of the woodland temple.
"Spirit Animal" by Georgia Wohnsen
On the other side of my Woodland Temple is this Madonna and Child. . . . . . .
"Madonna and Child" by Esmond Lyons
Quilted textiles. . . . . . . .
"Flight of the Honey Bees" by Lori Lupe Pelish
Look through the windows and watch tv – the artist disassembles the house. . . . .
"Homework (Phase I)" by Gina Occhiogrosso
"Homework (Phase 1) - closeup - by Gina Occhiogrosso
If you’re within driving distance of Glens Falls, NY, take an afternoon and experience this fascinating show at the Hyde Collection and draw your own conclusions. Be sure to read the Juror’s Essay by Charles Desmarais in the catalogue at the back of the gallery.
While you’re in the area, you might want to make reservations for dinner at Bistro Tallulah, a fine complement to an artful afternoon.
NOTES:
The Artists of the Mohawk Hudson Region exhibition, established in 1936, is one of the oldest and most prestigious regional juried art shows in the United States. The 2010 exhibition was juried by Charles Desmarais, Deputy Director for Art at the Brooklyn Museum, NY.
The 2010 exhibition runs from October 2, 2010 to January 2, 2011 at the Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, NY.
The Hyde also has a world-class permanent collection featuring works by Botticelli, El Greco, Raphael, Rembrandt and Rubens.
The Hyde Collection
www.hydecollection.org
Bistrot Talullah serves inspired cuisine influenced by French, Spanish and New Orleans traditions.
Bistrot Tallulah Website
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Serena,
Great to see you on the internet (and at the museum!).
Thanks for sharing all of the above.
Patrice
Always great to see you, Patrice! Glad you enjoyed the Hyde article – it’s such a jewel in the region!
Congratulations on being selected for the exhibition and for helping spread the word about this great show!
It was a pleasure meeting you at the Hyde After Dark event. Loved the “Fast Talk” with the artists – they all did a great job! I’ll do my best to get as many people to this show as possible! Every time I see the exhibit, I learn something new. It never fails to surprise me.
Serena,
Mr. Desmarais is right on. Your intuition of your introduction to nature is celebrated as it is spun into a pertinent symbol reflecting your respect for nature. It’s truly a lovely gift you have.
Michaelangelo released his figures from the marble (Kenneth Clark). I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that you are not far off the mark.
Gary
I wish you lived close enough to see this show, Gary, you’d really enjoy it. It’s an intelligent exhibition, intellectually accessible for seasoned art lovers as well as first-time museum-goers.
I am truly honored by your compliment! The more I create, the more I learn how to truly “listen” rather than forcing my ideas onto a creation. I am still learning…..