Artist Transforms Ordinary Objects into Extraordinary Art
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Gregory Coates "My Feminine Side"
Gregory Coates: Sheer Audacity
January 13 – March 6, 2020
Opening Reception: Thursday, January 30, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Walsh Gallery is pleased to present Gregory Coates: Sheer Audacity, a solo exhibition of recent work by the internationally renowned artist. A social abstractionist, Coates uses ordinary objects such as feathers, handbags, curtains and shipping pallets to weave stories about his experiences while simultaneously rousing personal associations for viewers with his chosen subjects and materials. Using art as a catalyst, Coates lures audiences into open-ended conversations to address varying societal concerns. Audiences are disarmed by Coates' use of textures, saturated colors and familiar objects that enables them to participate in a politically conscious dialogue that prioritizes their point of view. Gregory Coates created new work for this exhibition in an homage to the women in his life, and the strength they embody. The exhibition is curated by Gallery Director Jeanne Brasile who notes "Coates' objects are imbued with history, relevance, memory and identity – giving footing for visitors to voice their position on the subjects the artist addresses through his art."
Programs associated with the exhibition include a Wikithon co-sponsored by the Seton Hall University Libraries, Art+Feminism and the Feminist Art Project at Rutgers University. Brooke Duffy, Coordinator of Instruction Librarian, organized the event at which attendees will be instructed how to edit or create Wikipedia pages, using the Miriam Shapiro Archive on Women Artists as reference. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Beck Rooms across from the Walsh Gallery. No advance registration is needed, attendees may come and go during the event at which all are welcome. The exhibition is supported in part, by a regrant from the New Jersey Council on the Arts/the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs.
The Walsh Gallery is open 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday—Friday.
Categories: Arts and Culture