Current Exhibitions
Paul Shambroom: Picturing Power
On view through September 14, 2008
African Art and Beyond: Treasures from the Josef Floch Memorial Collection
May 30 - October 5, 2008
Material Matters: Quiltmaking in the 21st Century
June 20 - August 31, 2008
Eye Spy: Adventures in Art
Ongoing
Paul Shambroom: Picturing Power
May 10 - September 14, 2008
Picturing Power brings together for the first time selections from Paul Shambroom's five most important series to date--"Factories" (1986-88), "Offices" (1989-90), "Nuclear Weapons" (1992-2001), "Meetings" (1999-2003), and the ongoing series "Homeland Security" (begun in 2004). In "Picturing Power" Shambroom addresses the places and practices of power in America. Together these series explore how everyday citizens intersect with the dominant institutions of their times. Shambroom's images are remarkable both for their stark portrayal of people and places of power and as evidence of his access to the sites. Negotiating access in an open and democratic manner is a hallmark of the artist's process. Embodying curiosity, persistence, and empathy, Shambroom's work illustrates and champions engaged citizenship and democracy. This exhibition was organized by The Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, University of Minnesota; the University Art Museum, California State University. Long Beach; and the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center.
Out of Africa and Beyond: Treasures from the Josef Floch Memorial Collection
May 30 - October 5, 2008
Out of Africa and Beyond features the Josef Floch Memorial Collection of African, Pre-Columbian, and Oceanic works. Recently donated to CMA, this collection includes important works from the Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso and the Republic of Benin. African art played in important role in the development of European artistic movements such as Cubism and Expressionism. The austerity, power, and simplicity of African sculpture influenced Pablo Picasso while the sophisticated reduced forms impacted German artists Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Paul Klee, and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff.
Material Matters: Quiltmaking in the 21st Century
June 20 - August 31, 2008
This exhibition presents works constructed by thirty-nine international contemporary quiltmakers. From the basic description of a quilt (layers of fabric held together by stitches), these artists have pushed technique, concept, and style in new directions. Many of the quilts challenge the traditional concept of a two dimensional pieced object in both their sculptural presentation and use of unconventional materials. On the leading edge of such innovations are the quiltmakers applying surface design techniques to their materials, making their art form personal from its inception. Their sometimes humorous marks and images on fabric portray environmental concerns, political and social comments, life narrative, and cultural and generational differences.
The Material Matters Members Opening will be on Thursday, June 19 at 5:30 pm. There was a typo in our recent Art Speaks magazine. We apologize for any confusion.
Learn more about the Material Matters exhibit.
Eye Spy: Adventures in Art
Ongoing
Eye Spy, an interactive exhibition for children and families, features important objects from the Museum's collections displayed in architectural settings that relate to the time and place they were made. The center features four areas where, through a variety of games, puzzles, computer stations, and "make and take" art projects, visitors take a behind-the-scenes look at museums, learn about the carvings of Elijah Pierce, and the life and art of George Bellows.