An extraordinary collection of antique maps at Phillips Academy, dating from the Age of Discovery, has brought together six diverse artists who were invited to view, study and interact with the documents and create works in response to them. The artists — Sonny Assu, Andrea Chung, Liz Collins, Spencer Finch, Josh T. Franco and Heidi Whitman — produced installations that reflect each artist’s unique perspectives on the historical documents. “What I love about this show is how very different the responses are,” commented curator Allison Kemmerer in introducing the “Wayfinding: Contemporary Artists, Critical Dialogues, and the Sidney R. Knafel Map Collection” exhibition. She continued, stating that she saw Phillips Academy’s renowned Sidney R. Knafel Map Collection as a springboard for the artistic engagement and exploration of the historically significant, aesthetically rich and … [Read more...] about STRETCHING BOUNDARIES: ADDISON GALLERY SHOWCASES MODERN MAPMAKING
Current Issue
CORNERED: MEREDITH FLUKE AND B. LYNCH
After visiting the “New Gilded Age: A Theatrical Installation by B. Lynch” exhibition at the College of the Holy Cross, Artscope managing editor Brian Goslow exchanged email questions with Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery Director Meredith Fluke and Bridget “B.” Lynch about how the show came together, how they adapted to the challenges of a semester where the Holy Cross campus opened, and then soon shut down, turning the show into a by appointment only exhibition, and how in the process, explored numerous new ways to present an exhibition that normally would serve as a backdrop to the college’s art programs. (To read more, pick up a copy of our latest issue! Find a pick-up location near you or Subscribe Here.) … [Read more...] about CORNERED: MEREDITH FLUKE AND B. LYNCH
TIME-BENDING PUPPETRY: B. LYNCH’S SCI-FI WORLD COMES TO LIFE
I entered the College of the Holy Cross’ Cantor Gallery to see B. Lynch’s “New Gilded Age: A Theatrical Installation” with the expectation of seeing a collection of work unlike almost anything I’ve seen before. Built around what Lynch calls, “My fictive universe,” one filled with puppets depicting “the Reds and Greys,” I’ve been trying to fully grasp the concept of her work for years. Having watched a number of the online presentations tied to the show since it opened on October 13, I knew I’d be experiencing a multi-media treat for the senses, the culmination of many years of creative experimenting in how to best present her ideas. I knew I’d be seeing something I’d never forget, and even before entering the gallery doors, that observation came true. The main focal point of “Fisherman on the Lonely Sea” was an exceptional piece in its own right; its placement over fabric intended to … [Read more...] about TIME-BENDING PUPPETRY: B. LYNCH’S SCI-FI WORLD COMES TO LIFE
WELCOME: FROM BRIAN GOSLOW
We set out putting together the first Artscope of 2021 to serve as an introduction to as many new artists as possible through the covering of group exhibitions with the understanding and expectation that there would be government- ordered shutdowns and the lowering of capacities at those galleries and museums that were open. In doing so, we worked to confirm that the shows at these venues would have a physical as well as strong online and virtual presence so that the participating artists received the best maximum exposure possible while visitors could also have a chance to attend in-person. In the long run, we’re hopefully helping to lay the groundwork for a stronger arts community in New England and the world. We know that it isn’t going to be easy. “The old ways and attitudes in society weren’t working,” Artscope publisher Kaveh Mojtabai told me as we explored what to expect … [Read more...] about WELCOME: FROM BRIAN GOSLOW
Welcome Statement: November/December 2020
Welcome to our 89th issue. In some ways, we began planning this issue — covering November/ December and New England’s 2020 holiday season — during our summer issues, anticipating the need to prepare ourselves against the second surge of COVID-19 and the effect it could have on the region’s galleries and museums if they once again found themselves having to close or to severely limit their operations. At that time, we began to consider the kind of coverage that would best assist these institutions in surviving these challenging times. We look to 2021 proud of our consistency and commitment throughout these historic months in having continued to publish on our regular bi-monthly schedule and be a publication that the public and arts industry can depend on. Throughout the years, we’ve expanded our online and app offerings to provide those businesses and organizations with a place that … [Read more...] about Welcome Statement: November/December 2020
MADE IN CONNECTICUT: 22 MEMBER ART TRAIL CELEBRATED AT THE WADSWORTH
Connecticut has been celebrated for its cultural heritage for generations, yet in some ways, nonetheless, it has remained in the shadow of big cities along the I-95 corridor. Even today, people who dip into its august museums and historical societies are astonished by the depth and breadth of their holdings. But perhaps it took like-minded visionaries to propose ways to build support for these special places under the banner of cultural tourism. Early efforts ultimately led to the creation of The Connecticut Arts Trail, a constellation of 22 museums and historic sites. A $25 annual Passport has further encouraged people to travel throughout the state and dip into its vast cultural well. … [Read more...] about MADE IN CONNECTICUT: 22 MEMBER ART TRAIL CELEBRATED AT THE WADSWORTH