For nearly three weeks, both installments of the largest traveling exhibition of South Carolina State Art Collection work will be on display at the same time:
Contemporary Conversations Part II is on view now through Jan. 31 at the Arts Center of Greenwood.
Contemporary Conversations Part I runs Jan. 14 – Feb. 6 at three locations in Clemson: The Arts Center and Clemson University's Lee Gallery and the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts.
This is the first time that both parts of Contemporary Conversations have been “on the road” simultaneously.
Art Exhibition “Contemporary Conversations: Part I” Monday, Jan. 14 – Wednesday, Feb. 6
The Center for Visual Arts (CVA) at Clemson University
presents the works of South Carolina contemporary artists from the State
Art Collection Monday, Jan. 14 – Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the Lee Gallery,
The Brooks for the Performing Arts art Clemson University and The
Clemson ARTS Center of Clemson, S.C.
This exhibition entitled “Contemporary
Conversations: Part I” showcases 95 mixed media works including wood,
drawing, painting, photography, textiles, ceramics, mixed media and
sculpture. The S.C. Arts Commission began assembling the collection in
1967 to depict relevant movements of contemporary art over the past 45
years with the oldest piece created in the early 1930s.
The exhibition is designed to suggest both the quality and diversity of the state’s cultural heritage.
“It was important for the Lee Gallery to
acquire this exhibition due to its relevancy to the core initiatives at
Clemson University,” said Denise Woodward-Detrich, Lee Gallery Director
referencing the academic study emphasis areas of the University.
“Artworks showcased in the exhibition address health, transportation,
energy, environment, sustainability and community issues within their
content.”
According to Harriett Green, the Director of
Visual Arts for the S.C. Arts Commission, “From tradition and
innovation, cultural heritage and global awareness, religion and
spirituality to politics and social injustice, these artists provide
powerful and lasting visual imagery that is an important record of South
Carolina culture over four decades.”
Due to the scale of this exhibition, the Center
for Visual Arts at Clemson University partnered with The ARTS Center of
Clemson and Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University
to showcase these works. At the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts a
photograph of freedom marchers depicts the Civil Rights movement which
speaks to the institution’s 50th anniversary and the integration
commemoration of the first African American student at Clemson
University, Harvey Gantt.
The “Contemporary Conversations: Part II” was
showcased in the Lee Gallery at Clemson University two years ago.
Currently, this exhibition can be viewed at the Greenwood Arts Center in
Greenwood, S.C. through Friday, Jan. 31. Several artworks by Clemson
University alumni were chosen to represent both exhibitions including
Joseph Scott Goldsmith ‘87, Elizabeth Keller ‘92, Jeanee Redmond ‘81 and
Linda Shusterman ’84 as well as current and former faculty members John
Acorn (former art department chair), Sydney Cross, Robert Hunter and
Sam Wang.
The public is encouraged to spend the evening
with the “Contemporary Conversations: Part I” exhibition in the three
viewing locations. There will be a reception held at the Lee Gallery
Thursday, Jan. 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring the band, Soul Stew
and a reception held on the same evening at The Clemson ARTS Center of
Clemson from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Patrons of the Brooks Center for the
Performing Arts attending the “MOMIX: Botanica” performance that evening
at 8 p.m. are encouraged to come early before the show to enjoy the
exhibitions located in the foyer. In addition, patrons will be able to
view the exhibit prior to all performances during the exhibition dates.
Please check the calendar for all performances www.clemson.edu/brooks/events.
The exhibition can be viewed Monday, Jan. 14 –
Wednesday, Feb. 6. Lee Gallery at Clemson University hours are Monday
through Thursday 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., the Brooks Center for the
Performing Arts at Clemson University hours are Monday through Friday 1
p.m. until 5 p.m. and The Clemson ARTS Center of Clemson hours are
Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Friday 10 until 2 p.m.
Admission to the exhibition and receptions are free.
The exhibition was co-organized and originated
by the 701 Center for Contemporary Art. It was curated by Eleanor
Heartney, author and contributing editor to both Art in America and
Artpress. This exhibition has been made possible with support from the
Clemson University Center for Visual Arts, the Lee Gallery and the South
Carolina Arts Commission.
Selected photos of the exhibition in the Lee Gallery: www.flickr.com/photos/clemsonuniversity/sets/72157632534522557/
For more information, visit the Center for Visual Arts at www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/cva or contact Denise Woodward-Detrich, Lee Gallery Director at woodwaw@clemson.edu. Visit the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts www.clemson.edu/brooks or contact Mickey Harder at harderl@clemson.edu. Visit The ARTS Center of Clemson www.explorearts.org or contact Tommye Hurst, Executive Director at tommye.hurst@explorearts.org.
