What is hidden inside the watercolors, oils, and ceramics of the Canton Museum of Art's (CMA) acclaimed Permanent Collection? Examine the details and discover what's really behind a color or a shape, explore and find little gems inside the art with the new exhibition "Take a Closer Look" opening May 21, 2015 and on view through July 19.
"Take A Closer Look" encourages you to view the works on display in a more detailed, intuitive, and thought provoking manner. Is a "pretty picture" just a pretty picture or something more? What do you see? Supported by the didactic material accompanying each piece, we invite you to draw your own conclusions.
During each exhibition change, CMA assembles a selection of works that highlight the beauty of the Museum's rich collection and complements one of the other major exhibitions on view-in this case, a celebration of hyper real trompe l'oeil paintings in Gary Erbe's current exhibition. The Museum's Permanent Collection, valued at more than $25 million, features brilliant works from artists such as Winslow Homer, Clyde Singer, Viktor Schreckengost, and many more.
Victor Spinski and Marilyn Levine, two trompe l'oeil ceramic artists, execute amazing precision in fooling the eye. Perhaps it is the way Levine's Black Shoe Bag has scratches and signs of wear on the leather, or the rust on the nails in the Spinski's Tool Box I that make these objects seem exactly as they appear. But if you look closely, you will realize your eyes have been deceived-they are indeed ceramic and not leather, paper, or metal.
Julian Stanczak, a favorite artist and friend of the Museum, uses a two dimensional surface to create a 3-D visual experience through both geometry and color theory in Crosscurrents. How does Stanczak make this happen? His use of green and blue that moves vertically and horizontally across a dark background creates the illusion of movement. The geometric pattern creates a rhythm across the canvas, enhanced by the precise craftsmanship, and makes the composition explode from the canvas. Enjoy this piece both close up and at a distance to appreciate its impact (and construction).
May these works from our Collection inspire ... intrigue ... and invite you inside to "Take A Closer Look."
About the Canton Museum of Art
The Canton Museum of Art (CMA) is one of Ohio's premier museums for an exceptional visual arts experience. CMA is recognized for powerful national touring exhibits; dynamic CMA-original exhibits; an unrivaled Permanent Collection of American watercolors and contemporary ceramics; and innovative education outreach programs, in-Museum classes and workshops. For more information, including hours, exhibits and special events, call
330.453.7666, visit
http://www.cantonart.org
