ART ON VIEW
Backstory
at the Kent Museum in Calais
September 7-October 7, 2018
Opening celebration: Saturday, September 8, 3-5PM
Closing celebration: Sunday, October 7, 3-5PM
The 2018 Art at the Kent show is titled, “Backstory”. Every creation tells a story, but it is the backstory the curators hope will shine in the particular way this eclectic group of Vermont artists uses materials to express their personal narratives. A backstory is like holding up a mirror and seeing what is behind you on the wall, as well as your personal expression close up. It’s the artist’s visual translation of life’s hallways, interior spaces, and memories. These stored impressions are visually translated through paint, discarded paper, antique fabric, metal, wood, film, and thread.
As with writing, a visual backstory retells, consolidates, and documents experience in a personal way. At times this evidence is overt and, at others, concealed in abstraction, but it is no less a part of the artistic intent. “Backstory” explores each artist’s history as well as that of the materials used and how these elements motivate or inform each unique creation. Upon viewing, an additional layer is added as visitors bring their own personal associations to what they see, weaving yet another backstory into the experience.
Filling the museum and grounds with diverse works of more than a dozen of the state’s finest artists, visitors are treated to a vast array of two and three-dimensional works, as well as site-specific installations throughout the Kent’s 18 unique gallery spaces.
Exhibiting Artists: Kate Burnim | Daryl Burtnett | Janie Cohen | Wendy Copp | Hasso Ewing | Luciana Frigerio | Leslie Fry | Jason Galligan-Baldwin | Mark Goodwin | Julia Jensen | Matthew Monk | Cristina Salusti | Jeffrey Simpson | Rose Umerlik | Rosana Vestuti | Bhakti Ziek
Text adapted from the gallery’s press materials.
INFORMATION
The Kent Museum
758 Old West Church Road
Calais 05648
(802) 223-6613
Hours:
Friday-Sunday, 10AM-5PM
and by appointment
Images: (top to bottom)
Train
by Leslie Fry
dimensions variable
cast plaster fragments
Courtesy of the artist
Drawing Near
by Rose Umerlik
28″x44″
oil and graphite on panel
2018
Courtesy of the artist