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Renowned Artist Alison Saar Headlines New Exhibitions at Charlotte's Gantt Center
Saar's work is an emotional portrayal of the dichotomies of women’s roles in society
Legendary contemporary and mixed media artist Alison Saar has brought her work to Charlotte, North Carolina. Alison Saar: The Nature of Us, debuted on January 28, 2017 at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture to intrigued audiences. The exhibition, which was curated by Dr. Michael D. Harris of Atlanta, explores themes of motherhood, the role of women, the intensity of their hearts, and their embodiment as nature by highlighting the works of this renowned artist who hails from a legendary family of artists that include her parents Betye and Richard Saar.
Sculpted pieces such as Weight, Pearly, and Undone leave onlookers transfixed by their hidden messages as well as their sheer size, scope and depth. At the show opening, Saar, who is represented by L.A. Louver in Venice, California, expressed her desire for people to see themselves in her work. David Taylor, President & CEO of the Harvey B. Gantt Center welcomed Saar to the Queen City with a private showing to members of his institution. “By bringing renowned artists such as Alison Saar to exhibit her work here in Charlotte, we are demonstrating the endless ways in which visual art can be presented and perceived, particularly as it pertains to people of color. Our aim is to eliminate stereotypes by exposing individuals to the work of abstract and contemporary artists who are sculptors, photographers, and painters.”
Saar’s work will be on display at the Gantt Center through July 8. Exhibiting at the Gantt Center alongside Alison Saar: The Nature of Us are Jordan Casteel: Harlem Notes; The Future is Abstract and Zun Lee: Father Figure. For more details on the exhibitions visit ganttcenter.org.
About Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture is a multi-disciplinary arts institution located in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in 1974, the Gantt Center’s mission is to present, preserve and celebrate excellence in the art, history and culture of African-Americans and those of African descent through visual and literary arts, dance music, film, educational programs, theatre productions and community outreach. The Gantt Center features fine art exhibitions from around the world and is home to the nationally celebrated John and Vivian Hewitt Collection of African-American Art, which was generously donated by Bank of America, and is accessible online.
Named for Charlotte civic leader and former mayor Harvey Bernard Gantt, the Gantt Center is housed in an iconic, award-winning structure designed by architect Philip Freelon, co-designer of the Smithsonian National Museum for African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).
Contact
Ingrid Travis James
ingrid@ganttcenter.org
(704) 547-3764
Posted on Thursday, February 02, 2017
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