Nancy Joly of Rachel Adler, New York City, stands next to Alexander Archipenko’s bronze “Turning Torso,” 1921-22.
NEW YORK CITY – Translucency will be revealed in a path-breaking exhibition at The Corning Gallery at 667 Madison Avenue through July 1. “Immaterial/Material” marks the sixth exhibition in the gallery’s new 2,500 square feet space since it opened in May 2000.
The exhibition, organized by guest curator Karen S. Chambers, showcases the work of seven contemporary artists who utilize glass, Plexiglas or other translucent materials to play with idea of light and transparency.
Included in “Immaterial/Material” will be large-scale installations and smaller pedestal pieces by Carol Haerer, David Huchthausen, Scott Reynolds, Paul Seide, Fran Siegel, Robin Stanaway, and Michael Taylor. The exhibition features works that have been commissioned by the gallery and will be supplemented by works from the private collections of the artists in the show, as well as major loans from Leo Kaplan Modern, a New York gallery.
Chambers, an independent curator, explains that light is the primary source of the artists’ work despite the fact that the gallery labels list tangible materials. “I have conceived of this show as the experience of translucency. These artists have discovered unique materials to express their aesthetic concern with the immaterial world.”
Marie McKee, president and chief executive officer of Steuben and president of The Corning Museum of Glass notes, “Immaterial/Material challenges the way we look at glass and related materials. ‘Discovering Beyond Imagination’ is our corporate logo and one that directly applies to this exhibition. These artists are examining the characteristics of translucent materials in a way that only artists can, and invite viewers to look at these materials in a new context.”
The Corning Museum Gallery is open to the public free of charge, seven days a week. Hours are Monday – Friday, 10 am to 7 pm; Saturday 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm. For information, 646-497-3744.
