Eye of the Beholder
16 June-16 July 2017
The Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) invited artists from the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico to enter its 5th biennial found objects competition. The resulting exhibition, “The Eye of the Beholder”, showcases works of fine art constructed of one or more found objects. Angela Petruncio is the exhibition chair and Janet Maher is the juror.
Juror Janet Maher said about the exhibition:
As I so love artwork made with pre-existing materials, jurying the “Eye of the Beholder” exhibition was a pleasure. The range and styles of the 166 works entered was quite broad, as might be expected. I found myself gravitating instinctively to those that exemplified the kind of strong compositional impact that I expect to be inherent in excellent fine art of any type. How did the work claim its space and draw me in? What was unexpected upon further consideration? That elements were inventively repurposed or would not typically have been saved apart from their potential in art-making were other aspects I noticed. Craftsmanship, the care of every detail in creations that have been made to serve no purpose other than to aesthetically exist for anyone to behold was also a deciding factor. Through all their specific details, were larger, more general cohesions achieved that opened the artworks outward and allowed another person’s claim upon them?
The stacking of common forms removed from their intended role; a grid of transparency drawings in bottles; the juxtaposing of objects well past their prime in order that they be brought back to life again as if in a newfound community; combinations of both low and high art processes in elegant balance all intrigued me. While any might be attractive as acquisitions into someone’s home, these works would not have been made with home decoration in mind. The incorporated elements have transcended humble origins through significant artistic skill, becoming art objects meant for exhibition. I am tantalized by this collection that (at this writing) I have only seen through photographic image. I expect to be further surprised when I witness them fully present as they temporarily inhabit Circle Gallery. What conversations they will have together! I look forward to eavesdropping.
(Text adapted from the venue’s press materials)
INFORMATION
Circle Gallery
Maryland Federation of Art
18 State Circle
Annapolis, Maryland 21401 USA
(410) 268-4566
Hours:
Daily, 11AM-5PM
Closed 4 July 2017
Image: (top)
Part 1957
by Myrna Tatar
11″x9″
paper, plastic, ceramic, wire, cotton and linen embroidery thread
Image: (centre)
Anomaly
by Will Ursprung
9″x9″
collage on found steel object
Images courtesy of the Maryland Federation of Art