From the Pierro Gallery of South Orange:
Civilizations may come and go, but ancient Egyptian culture, one of the earliest and greatest, has left an indelible impression throughout world history. HaGar AbdelRahman and John Branigan, guest curators in association with the M.A. program in Museum Professions at Seton Hall University explore the influence of ancient Egyptian themes in the work of local and regional artists in an exhibition at the Pierro Gallery of South Orange on view from September 15 – October 15, 2016. The gallery will host an opening celebration on Thursday, September 15, from 7-9 p.m. Regular gallery hours are Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and by appointment.
Programs and events related to the exhibition:
- Art Opening, Thursday, September 15, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Pierro Gallery
- Curator led tour of the exhibition on Wednesday, September 21 at 4:30 p.m., no reservation needed. To arrange a group or school tour at another time, contact smartiny@southorange.org. Tours are free to the public.
- A special presentation by Ulysses Grant Dietz, Newark Museum’s Chief Curator & Curator of Decorative Arts, entitled, Like an Egyptian! An illustrated Survey of Egyptian Revivals in Decorative Arts History”. The talk will take place on Wednesday, September 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Beck rooms (ground floor) of Seton Hall University’s Walsh Library.
- A Family Program and free hands on artmaking workshop will take place in the Pierro Gallery on Saturday, Cecilia André
From Greco-Roman art & architecture through 19th century Victorian Egyptomania, and on in to contemporary times powerful archetypes – pyramids, obelisks, hieroglyphs, pharaohs, and iconic Egyptian gods – continue to permeate our world cultures today. What did these elements and motifs signify to the ancient Egyptians and what do they mean to artists today? How do contemporary artists utilize these symbols and what new attitudes and concepts do they represent? HaGar AbdelRahman and John Branigan present the work of sixteen artists who have been deeply influenced by Egypt. Artists include: Cecilia André, Sybil Archibald, Marianne Barcellona, Gwen Charles, Richard Deurer, Norma Greenwood, Michelle Harpster, Linda Brooks Hirschman & Sarah Teofanov, Sue Karnet, Maria Lupo, Beatrice M. Mady, Natalya Tali Margolin, Elisa Pritzker, Heidi Sussman, and Lisa G. Westheimer.
“Each curator brings their own specialty and deeply personal perspective to this exceptional show” says Gallery Director, Sandy Martiny. “Ms. AbdelRahman will share her deep understanding of ancient Egyptian culture. She has identified the ancient Egyptian motifs and themes used in each artist’s work and through the exhibition will tell a story of ancient Egypt that continues to resonate with artists and the public today. Mr. Branigan is an exhibition designer who brings his designer’s eye to the installation. He has created kiosks for learning that guide visitors through the show. The show and its interpretive materials will be tremendous fun, a scavenger hunt for art lovers and the curious. “
Founded in 1994, the Pierro Gallery of South Orange (PGOSO) presents the work of diverse, established, and emerging visual artists in a non-commercial, user-friendly venue. Through its programs and exhibitions, PGOSO enhances the cultural environment of South Orange and the surrounding communities aiming to educate, enrich and engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds. PGOSO is a facility of the South Orange Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
September 15- Saturday, October 15 2016
Pierro Gallery of South Orange
5 Mead Street, South Orange, NJ 07307
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