November 1999 Exhibition

Moved by Modernism

November 1 - November 30, 1999
For your information, we have provided a listing of all of the works of art in the exhibition at exhibition checklist.  

View the current exhibition schedule.

Exhibition Catalogue:

In art historical terms, many scholars maintain that Modern Art began in the beginning of the 19th century or about 1800. With that in mind, modernism approaches its 200th birthday and as such, we celebrate the immediacy, emotion, and direct approach of modern art in this exhibition. This exhibition, Moved by Modernism, captures the way that artists view the contemporary world and the way that they were inspired and enchanted by modern art and its history. 

While artists working today produce new and exciting works in various media, the modern art movement engages viewers to participate, to question, and to be "moved" -- whether negatively or positively -- by art. Feel free to ask questions and to make comments as Modern Art has inspired dialogue for centuries. Enjoy the exhibition! 

Curated by Dr. Lori, Director

Keith Haring

Keith Haring, a native of Kutztown, Pennsylvania, was the pioneer of the graffiti art movement that took New York by storm in the 1980s. Producing impromptu drawings in the subways of New York City, Haring's art was embraced by millions. He brought art back to the people and disregarded the elitism of New York's artworld.

Keith Haring's joyous art was largely influenced by the playful qualities of Walt Disney's animation art and cartoon art. As a student of art history, Haring was influenced by Greek vase painting as well as the art of the modern era. For instance, Haring looked to the Pop Art work of Andy Warhol. Haring painted well-known subjects such as urban landscapes, dogs, and babies. He used bold lines and bright colors in his art making his pieces of interest to  both children and adults. 

Rudy Serra

Rudy Serra excels in both sculpture and printmaking. These monotype prints (or original prints and individual works of art on paper) were inspired by New England landscape forms and nature's color schemes. Serra's work reflects the direct artistic approach first explored by the Abstract Expressionists including the gestural paintings of Willem De Kooning and Jackson Pollock. Serra's prints in the Gihon series refer to the immediacy of non-objective art and the emotional sensibilities achieved via modern art. 

Gregg Smith

The active, gestural brushstrokes of the New York School painters are recalled in Yellow Surf. Smith's handling of paint is reminiscent of post-war American painters as he captures the power of the ocean in this textural composition. Smith reflects upon the impact that American artists had on the history of modern art after 1945 in this dramatic landscape. 

Jeanne Wilkinson

Modular paintings are the focus of this four panel work by Jeanne Wilkinson. Wilkinson is a member of the American Abstract Artists group and offers paintings which range from non-objective to representational through her striking modular works.