Photo credit: Chip Talbert
If given these five objects as inspiration-a ball of sting, mirror, bone, moth and glass of water, what would you paint? This question lies at the heart of Object Project, the new exhibit which opened at the Hunter Museum yesterday. Featuring nearly 30 works by fifteen artists from around the country, it is a collection that is truly more than the sum of its parts. For the engaged viewer, Object Project offers not only a glimpse into the minds of these fifteen artists but a thought-provoking exercise in artistic imagination.
Unique from its inception, Object Project was collaboratively developed by a group of artists before they even knew if any museum would sponsor the exhibit. They came together to vote on the five objects which would serve as their inspiration, make the final artist selections and create guidelines for the works. After submitting queries to dozens of museums, the unusual exhibition found its champion in John Streetman, Director of the Evansville Museum, who called it "the ultimate Artist's 'What-Does-It-Make-You-Think-Of?' Rorschach test."
The paintings range from the very literal-diligently including each of the five objects-to the figurative and beyond, like Nancy Switzer's "Butter Fly" (above). Some, like "Measure of Love" (below) by F. Scott Hess of Los Angeles, use the objects to weave a warm family narrative.
Just as each artist interpreted the five objects differently, the Hunter offers its guests the opportunity to interpret the works in their own way. At the entrance of the hall, a small podium holds replicas of the five objects for guests to see and, yes, touch. The key to fully appreciating this diverse collection is imagining the possibilities held by these everyday objects.
John Hawbaker
Carter on Oct. 14, 2008
My sister and I went today We loved it!
I loved food fight the best!