The Rockwell Museum of Western Art in Corning, New York, presents 21st Century Regionalists: Art of the Next West, open through January 9, 2011.
Regionalism – a popular mid-20th century art movement underscoring how a specific geographic area influences identity – has been declared dead. Likewise Western art, though thriving in popularity, often has been thought to be a static genre; that is, new art had to mimic the old in order to be accepted. But in the new millennium, the definition of Western art has been examined, contested and expanded beyond its once-static geographical and philosophical boundaries. Indeed “the West” has become more mythology, than location or history. Artists of both traditional and contemporary sympathies are exploring the new facets of Western art. In doing so, they have created the next West.
21st Century Regionalists: Art of the Next West blurs boundaries, questions traditional styles, and contributes to the evolving identity of the West. The exhibition raises questions such as: “What is Western art?”, “Who is a Western artist?”, and “What meaning do the terms regionalism and contemporary hold for us today?” This exhibition will feature the art of a dozen Western artists who work in a distinctively regional style. While these artists have much in common with the Regionalist movement of the 1930s, they are also quite contemporary, employing fresh techniques.
“The subjects depicted in the artwork in this exhibition are accessible, familiar and relevant to viewers’ lives. This body of work is defined as much by what it isn’t as by what it is,” remarks James Burns, guest curator of the exhibition.
Artists included in 21st Century Regionalists: Art of the Next West are Trish Booth, David DeVary, Carrie Fell, Alvin Gill-Tapia, Woody Gwyn, Mark Knudsen, Ed Mell, Howard Post, Doug Smith, Gary Ernest Smith, Michael Swearngin, and Jim Vogel. All possess extraordinary style, talent and engaging personalities with which viewers connect.
Image: Rockwell Museum of Western Art
About the Rockwell Museum of Western Art
Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Rockwell Museum of Western Art is located in the center of the Finger Lakes Wine Country of New York Sate and in the heart of Corning’s Gaffer District. American Western and Native American art are the focal point for engaging, dynamic exhibitions and educational events. The Museum rotates its large permanent collection of art through galleries based on themes: Wilderness, Buffalo, Indian and Cowboy. Here, myths are explored and new ways of thinking about art are encouraged. In addition, three or four special exhibitions per year bring focus to other subjects. The Museum is open to the public seven days a week; hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Memorial Day – Labor Day. Annual Membership to the Museum includes free admission.
Rockwell Museum of Western Art
111 Cedar Street, Corning, NY 14830
www.rockwellmuseum.org