Three Graces: Polly Apfelbaum, Tony Feher and Carrie Moyer
Everson Museum of Art
Syracuse, NY
The exhibition, Three Graces: Polly Apfelbaum, Tony Feher and Carrie Moyer opened to the public at the Everson Museum of Art on September 26, 2015 through January 3, 2016. Three Graces presents the work of three contemporary, New York City-based artists, all creating new work that is inspired by or incorporates pieces from the Everson’s renowned permanent collection. Center stage are hundreds of ceramic objects, key paintings by Morris Louis and the museum’s I.M. Pei-designed building.
The Three Graces were known in ancient mythology as enchanting goddesses who personified the primary attributes of creativity: Beauty, Wonder and Joy. In a recasting of this mythical triumvirate, the Everson introduces three contemporary artists from New York – Polly Apfelbaum, Tony Feher and Carrie Moyer – whose spectacular abstract works embody such qualities. More than just a typical exhibition, however, Three Graces is also a revelatory experience, as the artists have created new works inspired by pieces from the museum’s collection, which are also included.
Polly Apfelbaum has transformed two galleries in homage to Morris Louis, the celebrated Color Field artist. Her installations, titled For the Love of Morris Louis, feature wall paintings and rugs of her design along with an exuberant display of ceramic objects from the Everson’s collection. Apfelbaum selected more than 200 ceramic works from the collection, dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. Celebrating form and color across time and media, Apfelbaum’s selections include examples of American Art Pottery, functional commercial ware and international ceramics. Artists include Adelaide Alsop Robineau, Russel Wright, Roseville, Gruby, Rookwood, Maria Martinez, Rose Cabat, Betty Woodman, Vivika and Otto Heino, among many others.
Carrie Moyer has also used works from the Everson’s acclaimed ceramics collection in her installation – showcasing select large-scale sculptural works whose brilliant color and organic forms share an allegiance with her new large-scale acrylic paintings and monoprints. Moyer has also connected these works with paintings and prints from the Everson’s collection – some of which are well-known and many others of which have never before been on public view.
Tony Feher has taken the Everson’s building as his point of departure, creating site-determined installations inside and outside, utilizing everyday materials. His work highlights the extraordinary in the ordinary – focusing on color, light, shadow, form and movement to create magical experiences.
“From Moyer’s biomorphic paintings, to Apfelbaum’s playful textiles, and Feher’s magical installations, Three Graces connects the past and present through beauty, wonder and joy,” said Elizabeth Dunbar, Everson President and CEO.