The Edge of Vision: Abstraction in Contemporary Photography

This exhibition presents photographs and photo-based installations, many exhibited for the first time, that explore the territory of "undisclosed" or abstract imagery in all its forms. These investigations range from artifacts of the process of recording the action of light without the benefit or limitation of a camera lens (as seen in the works of Ellen Carey, Michael Flomen, and Ilan Wolff) to direct photographs of surfaces that generate pattern and optical uncertainty (Roland Fischer) to images that comment on our culture of images (Penelope Umbrico and Carel Balth). In some works, documentary references are all but expunged, creating anew class of aesthetic objects. Others test the limits of the familiar. All of these works involve a profound questioning of what role photographs play in contemporary visual culture. 

Curated by Lyle Rexer, The Edge of Vision is organized by Aperture Foundation, a non-profit organization, whose purpose is to advance photography in all its forms and to foster the exchange of ideas among audiences worldwide.

Bill Armstrong (American, b. 1952)
Mandala #450, 2003
Chromogenic print
Courtesy ClampArt, New York

REMIX 2

A continuation of the REMIX theme, with new acquisitions and permanent collection items, REMIX 2  includes How to Hunt and Strude by Nicolai Howalt and Trine Søndergaard.

In How to Hunt, we use the modern hunt to explore the relationship of humans to nature. Hunting today can be seen as a ritualised performance of something that was once a basic human need. It’s also a classical theme of art history, from cave paintings to the Renaissance. We wanted to locate this historical theme in a modern context, where – at least in the affluent post-industrial West – it can be seen as a symbol of ‘the good life’ and the longing for some kind of authentic relationship to nature.

The strude is the name of the mask-like garment that was worn by women on the Danish island of Fanø to cover their faces from the wind, sun and sand. This style of dress, now considered a traditional costume, is worn only for an annual fête day. For three years, Søndergaard visited the island for this celebration and photographed the women by a window in a small attic as they dressed for the festivities, focusing on the strude headdress. While the work is not a direct study of either the place or the women’s clothing, the series expresses the artist’s fascination with the culture on the island and with the folk costume as the bearer of meaning and specific codes.

Trine Søndergaard (American, b. 1952)
Strude #17, 2008-2009
Chromogenic print
Edition 4/5
Purchased with the Roux Museum Acquisition Fund

Trine Søndergaard and Nicolai Howalt
The Giant Hill
Digital c-print
Edition 2/5
Purchased with the Roux Museum Acquisition Fund

Trine Søndergaard and Nicolai Howalt
Valley Beat 1
Digital c-print
Edition 2/5
Purchased with the Roux Museum Acquisition Fund

 Bill Armstrong

Chromozones, 2011
Site-specific video installation  

The Cornell Fine Arts Museum presents Chromozones, a site-specific installation of new videos by Bill Armstrong.  The installation consists of four abstract color videos running in a continuous loop on small screens in the Education Gallery. The videos are meant to play against each other, adding up to a whole that is greater than the sum of the parts and creating the experience of complete immersion in a color space.  The installation will also be visible at night through the large windows of the colonnade, creating a light show from outside the building.

The artist, Bill Armstrong, is also featured in the museum’s current exhibition Edge of Vision: Abstraction in Contemporary Photography in the main galleries.  The Cornell Fine Art Museum’s Bruce Beal Director, Scott Habes began a dialogue with the artist about his video work while doing research on the exhibition.  Over several weeks leading up to the museum’s January opening, the Bill Armstrong created a site-specific installation for the Cornell’s unique space.

The installation stands as a distinct project from the Edge of Vision exhibition, yet utilizes the same principles of abstraction present in the artist’s photographic work.  The installation serves as a prelude to the ideas present in the main galleries while confirming the museum’s commitment to fostering the development of new and innovative work.

Chakaia Booker

An academic project by Director Scott Habes and Intern Kellyn Biela, this showing explores themes in African art, focused on two works of Chakaia Booker.

Chakaia Booker (b. 1953)
Four-Twenty-One, 2010
Mixed media print on glass
Purchased with the Roux Museum Acquisition Fund

On display April 23 - May 8, 2011

This is Art:  Rollins Senior Art Student Exhibition

This group exhibition showcasing six senior art majors, Lacy Goodwyn, Jennifer Hirschmann, Siobhan Philbin, Diego Pinedo, Margaret Rowland, and Caitlin Vyborny, celebrates their works and accomplishments over the past four years as students of graphic design, illustration, painting, photography and sculpture. Goodwyn, 22, of Washington D.C., reveals the dichotomy of exterior and interior self while exploring issues of conforming to society. Hirschmann, 22, of London, UK, deconstructs the ambiguity resulting from transnational identity.  Philbin, 22, of Burlington, VT, highlights the irrational love pet owners have with domesticated canines. Pinedo, 22, of Orlando, FL, portrays issues between transition and notions of self. Rowland, 22, of Miami, FL, examines how interpersonal individual relationships are affected by military service. Vyborny, 23, of Roscoe, IL, illustrates the inconsistencies within the housing market. The exhibition selections exemplify the students’ skills and creative innovation. These students have also worked together to design the invitation and promote the opening of their show as emerging artists in the community.

Diego Pinedo ('11)                   Siobhan Philbin ('11)                     Caitlin Vyborny ('11) (b. 1988), Florida                        (b. 1989), Vermont                            (b. 1988), Illinois Stricken, 2011                             Untitled II, 2011                                Cold Banker, 2011 Acrylic on canvas, 48 x 36 in.       Acrylic on canvas, 8 x 8 in.                 Archival pigment print, framed      Jennifer J. Hirschmann ('11)              Lacy Goodwyn ('11) (b. 1988), Switzerland                            (b. 1988), Washington D.C. Switzerland to America (Zurich), 2011      Satisfaction, 2011 Mixed Textiles                                        Wood and glass