KMA Presents THE ART OF CONTEMPORARY PUPPET THEATER Through 6/13

What do you think of when you read the word "puppet"? The Katonah Museum of Art will challenge your thoughts and preconceptions with the presentation of The Art of Contemporary Puppet Theater, running now in all three galleries through June 13, 2010.

The Art of Contemporary Puppet Theater will feature works by puppeteers, sculptors, and film and media artists, which demonstrate how the often daring art of puppetry can explore a range of ideas and emotions. On display will be works by many of today's most important artists, including Eric Bass/Sandglass Theater, Janie Geiser, Liz Goldberg, Chris Green, Dan Hurlin, William Kentridge/Handspring Puppets, Ralph Lee, Mabou Mines Brian Selznick, Julie Taymor, Hanne Tierney, and Basil Twist. The exhibition will also include films by Genevieve Anderson, Laura Heit and the collaborative team of Tony Giordano, Jason Murphy and Scott Shoemaker.

In every culture man has created stories and myths to explain the forces surrounding him and the fears, hopes and dreams he carries within. For centuries, masks and puppets have been used to add magic to the storyteller's art. The Art of Contemporary Puppet Theater will show that puppets are indeed more than children's dolls, that within them can be found the illusion of life. They are symbolic mirrors in which we are startled and sometimes delighted to see ourselves reflected.

The art of puppetry has been traced back as early as the 5th Century, BC, when figures operated by strings were employed in ancient Egyptian ceremonies. In more recent times, it was relegated to childish entertainment, before re-emerging as a sophisticated means of expression. Today, puppetry is the perfect union of theater and the visual arts, fusing painting, sculpture, text, music, movement and technology.

"This is an exciting time for puppetry," says Nancy Wallach, Director of Curatorial Affairs for the Museum. "It's turning up everywhere now - in theater, opera, and film. We're proud and excited to showcase in a museum exhibition some of the finest work in contemporary puppet theater."

Curator of the exhibit is Leslee Asch, Executive Director of the National Dance Institute, and previous Executive Director for twenty years of the Jim Henson Foundation.

Directions to Katonah Museum of Art:
By Train: from Grand Central Terminal, NYC, (Harlem Division of Metro North): train to Katonah railroad station. The Museum is located 1/2 mile east of the station.
By Car: Take Exit 6 off Interstate 684. Go east on Route 35. Take the first right onto Route 22 south. The Museum is located 1/4 mile on the left.

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