Archetypal Form: The Art of Performance

Photographs by pop icon Andy Warhol, the renowned Edward Weston, jazz era photographer Herman Leonard, fashion photographer Lillian Bassman, photographer to the stars, George Hurrell, and pictorial photographer Anne Brigman are featured in the second student-curated exhibit, Archetypal Form: The Art of Performance. These works can be viewed at Gallery 112 in Lang Hall at Scripps College from March 26th through April 13, 2012.A group of four students, Alex Trimm, Allyson Healey, Marie Angeles, and Shayda Amanat, all Wilson or Turk interns from the Williamson Gallery, selected pieces from the Scripps Collection around their chosen theme, an exploration of movement, shape, and form as represented by 20th century artists. Their goal in selecting artworks was to create an exhibition of theatrically posed subjects within the Scripps College permanent collection of art. “We were particularly drawn to dramatic lighting and aesthetic poses that are reminiscent of the cinema and theater spanning the 20th century,” notes Wilson Intern Alex Trimm. The resulting array of works ranges from high-contrast fashion photography to nudes with soft focus and lighting. Each artwork selected implies a narrative, such as a noir story or a classical myth. The common thread of black-and-white compositions encourages the viewer to focus on the silhouette. A balance is struck between movement and stillness, with contoured lines implying action even in the absence of motion.The interns also hosted an opening at Gallery 112 on March 26.  The event included live music and light refreshments, and was free and open to the public.The interns thank Elizabeth Robbins Turk ’83, C. Jane Hurley Wilson ’64 and Michael G. Wilson for their generosity and support for gallery internships that educate students on the fields of art administration and art conservation.Gallery 112 is open to the public, free of charge, Monday through Thursday from 9am – 12:30 and 1:30 pm – 5pm. For more information, please contact the gallery at (909) 607-8090 or visit the website at www.rcwg.scrippscollege.eduPhoto: Lilian Bassman, Barbara Mullen, (Flat Hat, Bare Back), Harper’s Bazaar, New York, 1958, Gelatin silver print, 14 in. x 11 in. Scripps College.  Purchase made possible by the Jean and Arthur Ames Fund.

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