As stated in the brochure the theme of this exhibit is to:
"See Sounds. Hear colors. Explore the senses.
"Sensory Crossover: Synesthesia in American Art"
February 11 thru May 29, 2011.
As the icy blue of winter inevitably melts, and the sights and sounds of spring slowly begin to break through, the galleries of the Burchfield Penney will become a playground for the senses. Conceivedin collaboration with The Albuquerque Museum of Art & History and presented by LPCiminelli and the Charles E. Burchfield Foundation, Sensory Crossovers provides an unprecedented opportunity to consider synesthesia-a capacity to perceive one sense by stimulating another through the work of some of the 20th century's most significant artists. In this vibrant exhibition, examples of synethesia by luminaries such as Charles E Burchfield, Arthur Dove, Max Weber, Joseph Stella, Georgia O'Keeffe and Adolph Gottlieb relate the artists' experiences of these distance sensory crossovers. Synesthesia refers to the phenomenon where one type of stimulation evokes the sensation of another, as in sound influencing the visualization of color. Its influence on early- to mid-twentieth century artists had a profound effect on the modernist art movements in Europe and the United States.
The type of lighting used in this exhibit was bright and vibrant. The colors of the walls were white and I believe this is because you do not want the color of the walls to take away from the artwork displayed on them. There were display cases and walls that displayed the different types of artwork in the exhibit. I was actually the only person in the gallery at the time that I went, I kind of enjoyed it because it allowed me more time to find the artwork I was interested in and I did not have to go in a specific order and worry about missing pieces that were displayed.
I think that the artwork was well organized. I did not find it confusing walking through the gallery and I thought that each piece was somehow similar to the other so it was not just random paintings on the wall. When walking through looking I felt that everything flowed nicely together. The artwork was different because it was all different artists from different years although the elements were similar. Throughout the gallery the different pieces were either in frames or in display cases. Under each piece the known information was written such as the title of the piece, the artist, the year and the type of painting it is. I felt that the proximity between each piece was just right, it was not to far of a walk just a few steps but it did not take away from the piece next to it.
Blues for Charlie Parker
Sam Scott
acrylic on canvas, 1988
80 x 66
When I went online to find this image all online resources stated that this piece was created in 1974, but the art gallery stated it was created in 1988. I was attracted to this piece because it was colorful and fun. The bright and vibrant colors attracted by eye and I enjoy this type of artwork more than simple colors. The elements I found in this piece was color, form, line and shape. From information I found online about this piece it is dedicated to the musician and after further looking at this piece I can see that some parts of this piece look like musical notes.
Another type of artwork I noticed was by Horace T Pierce. On one entire wall there was 8 pieces created by this particular artist. The pieces were created from 1949 to 1952. All eight pieces of art were similar but also different. These pieces contained elements of line, color, shape and balance. I found it interesting to see that the exhibit had so many pieces of art work by Pierce. But I did notice that these pieces were similar to the artwork by Sam Scott with the elements and more specifically the colors.
Dawn in Early Spring
Charles Burchfield
1946-1966
500 x 442
The last piece of artwork I choose to write about was a piece by Burchfield. I though it would be appropriate to use one of this pieces because the gallery is created because of him and in dedication for him. I found this piece very interesting, I thought it was kind of dark but also colorful and vibrant. The elements in this piece is line, form, color, shape and size. The trees are very colorful and is the center of the piece while the other elements are well incorporated in the piece. It was interesting how Burchfield used such dull not vibrant colors but with the colors he did use allowed the piece to shine and become vibrant. From looking on the internet I found that his artwork was very vibrant and interesting. I enjoyed learning about his artwork because I am very familiar with the art gallery but I was not familiar with him or the creations he has.
I have been in the gallery before but have never really taken the time to look closely at the artwork that is displayed, I thought that it was very nice and I enjoyed going. It was enjoyable to see that Buffalo and more specifically Buff State can be home of such a nice and important gallery that holds so much important and significant artwork. While looking around I recognized many of the names of the artists from taking this course. I thought that the space and architecture was well proportioned and it was a professional experience. I would definitely go back and visit other exhibits, I enjoyed it.
