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Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art presents Book 2 by Peter Sarkisian

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art has a new work in its collection, “Book 2,” by multi-media artist Peter Sarkisian. This commissioned piece, unique in the series, was made in honor of Richard Lariviere, the 16th President of the University of Oregon and includes homage to Lariviere and his hat. The new work will be on view through early fall.

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art Main Entrance

For nearly fifteen years Peter Sarkisian has explored the spatial vernacular of video projection, creating installations that question the role of video by engaging the viewer in unique tactile experiences. Sarkisian’s multimedia installations lie at the intersection of film, video, and sculpture.

In this latest work, the Sarkisian pushes the medium further still, using cutting-edge 3D engineering and new materials to literally make his image crawl across the pages of a dictionary. The result is a series of dimensional installations, which include this piece, that defy categorization. From his smart use of technology to his exploration of social and political themes, his work stimulates audiences of all ages and interests.

Sarkisian began his career as a filmmaker, and then, in 1994, shifted to video projection to create a hybrid form of art. The result is a richly textured art that engages the anxiety between the tangible and the illusive or as the artist says, “When used in this way, video cause the world to behave in ways it shouldn’t. It offers a version of our world that often causes our sense of what’s right and real to twist and distort.” The JSMA held an exhibition of Sarkisian’s video works in late spring 2011.

“Book 2” was acquired with support from the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art Acquisition Fund and Susan Cox and F. Gregory Fitz-Gerald, Jill Hartz and Richard Herskowitz, Robert H. and Sue Keene Malott, Hope Hughes Pressman, Bette and Dwayne Rice, Jordan Schnitzer, Christine and Chris A. Smith, Yvonne and Charles Stephens.

The University of Oregon’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is a premier Pacific Northwest museum for exhibitions and collections of historic and contemporary art based in a major university setting. The mission of the museum is to enhance the University of Oregon’s academic mission and to further the appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts for the general public. The JSMA features significant collections galleries devoted to art from China, Japan, Korea, America and elsewhere as well as changing special exhibition galleries. The JSMA is one of six museums in Oregon accredited by the American Association of Museums.

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is located on the University of Oregon campus at 1430 Johnson Lane. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens. Free admission is given to ages 18 and under, JSMA members, college students with ID, and University of Oregon faculty, staff and students.

For information, contact the JSMA, 541-346-3027 or visit jsma.uoregon.edu.

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