Transforming
the Commonplace: Masters of Contemporary Realism
examines the work of a cross section of accomplished contemporary
realist painters who, despite the prevailing trends and fashions
in the art world, have continued to work exclusively with representational
imagery.
The
show will feature two paintings by celebrated artist Jamie Wyeth,
two large-scale paintings by prominent American artist Bo Bartlett,
as well as a major work by the controversial Norwegian artist
Odd Nerdrum. In addition, a rare painting, “Pansies,”
by the legendary Spanish painter Antonio Lopez Garcia (whose work
and life was featured in the recent award winning film Dream of
Light) will be on display, making its debut in an American museum.
Other artists included in the exhibit will include: Avigdor Arikha,
Vincent Desiderio, Claudio Bravo, Richard Estes, Israel Hershberg,
Adele Alsop, Brett Bigbee, Tom Uttech, Neil Welliver, Debra Bermingham,
Gregory Gillespie, Jane Lund, Steven Assael, Susan Hauptman, William
Beckman, Kent Bellows, Wade Schuman, Christian Vincent and central
Pennsylvania artists Dan Massad, Mark Workman and Michael Allen.
Observing
the world around them with consummate skill and a unique vision,
each of these artists pushes the boundaries of traditional realism,
giving it a freshness and relevance within the contemporary art
realm.
Through
the use of ethereal light, directed compositions and unusual vantage
points, these artists pull out unconventional metaphors and create
sublime imagery from the most commonplace objects or situations.
Central Pennsylvania artist Rob Evans will curate
this exhibit.
Michael
Graves is one of the most celebrated architects of our time. Famous
for his contemporary style, he was awarded the prestigious 2001
Gold Medal from the American Institute of Architects. The exhibition,
Michael Graves, will feature architectural drawings,
models, and enhanced photography used in the creation of the Sheraton
Miramar Resort Hotel in El Gouna, Egypt. Built using traditional
Egyptian construction methods and materials with a modern interpretation,
the hotel is a 5-star resort hotel dramatically situated on the
Red Sea.