Complimenting MAH’s exhibition highlighting papermaking, It’s in the Pulp: The Art of Papermaking in Santa Cruz, MAH presents a solo exhibition of the work of America artist Joseph Zirker. Zirker developed, and holds patents for, two major printmaking techniques that use acrylics, gels and media to make monotype and editionable intaglio prints without the use of printing presses.
This exhibition, open through November 14, 2010, guest curated by independent curator and writer Robert Flynn Johnson, will showcase both sculptural and two dimensional work, and illustrate the breadth of work created using advanced paper making techniques. Using writing paper and other common materials, his creative sculptures show the interplay between shade and light.
Through more than four decades of work and experimentation, Joseph Zirker has cultivated a reputation as one of the Bay Area’s most innovative printmakers. His entire career is marked by an irrepressible interest in exploring the possibilities of printmaking. In his cast acrylic monotypes, Zirker continues his career-long interest in abstraction. His compelling compositions feature biomorphic shapes and symbols that suggest—without making overt reference to—natural forms.
Joseph Zirker, is a distinguished artist who is the recipient of a 2004 Pollock-Krasner award and an elected member of the National Academy of Design. He is known worldwide as an innovator in monotype and printmaking. His works are represented in private and public collections, both in the USA and abroad. He holds the degree of MFA from the University of Southern California, where he taught printmaking. He has lectured at Stanford University, San Jose City College and Portland State University. His workshops have been held at Drake University, Rice University, Cooper Union School of the Arts and in several art academies in Belgium and the Netherlands. He is listed in Who’s Who in American Art. Most recently he was the recipient of a Pollock-Krasner Foundation grant for 2010 -11.
Image: Joseph Zirker The Museum of Art & History @ the McPherson Center
The Museum of Art & History @ the McPherson Center 705 Front Street Santa Cruz CA 95060 831.429.1964
www.santacruzmah.org