ART & DESIGN
An abstract painting titled The Centre #2 by John Walker is one of the important works in the Westmont Contemporary Art Collection
Westmont Contemporary Art Collection now on display online showcases the museum’s rich permanent collection enhanced by donations from artists and collectors
BY KAZAD
SANTA BARBARA, CA— As the coronavirus continues its rampage across the globe; many museums are turning to their art collections to curate engaging shows for their audience. The Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art is one of such museums. Selections from the Permanent Collection of Contemporary Art is the title of the new online exhibition at the museum. The exhibition features pieces from two major private collectors who have helped shape the museum’s collection: Barry Berkus and his son, Jeff; and Arnold and Marie Forde.
According to Judy L. Larson, Askew professor of art history and museum director, the private collectors donated “parts of their collections to museums, so everyone could enjoy the art.” The Berkus collection includes John Walker’s The Centre, #2, Kiki Smith’s Kneeling Woman with Rabbit, and Los Carpinteros’ Tanque le Aqua.
Selections from the Permanent Collection of Contemporary Art includes works by Alison Saar, Andrea Bowers, and Marie Schoeff. There is also a piece by Karen Kilimnick, generously donated by the Fordes.
Alison Saar
Starr comes from her line of artists. Her mother is a collagist artist while her father was a painter. She has a BA in art history from Scripps College in Claremont, California, and an MFA from the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. Starr explores found objects like old tin ceiling panels, nails, rough-hewn wood, nails, shards of pottery, glass, and other found objects to create powerful works of art. Her sculpture, prints, and installations raise questions about race, gender, heritage, and history. Her quest to communicate her experiences and highlight topical issues is evident in Inheritance.
Inheritance is a sculpture made from bronze and cotton. The piece depicts a man carrying a boulder of cotton on his head. The sharp contrast between the dark male figure and the immaculate huge white ball of wool on his head allows for many interpretations. On one level, Inheritance can be seen as a commentary on race and the burden of the black man. However, on another level, it points to the idea of creativity, gender, and heritage.
John Walker
John Walker is an abstract painter, printmaker, and educator who loves teaching. imparting knowledge. He has taught in several prestigious institutions, including the Royal College of Art in London, Yale University, and Boston University where he was head of the graduate program in Painting and Sculpture at the School of Visual Arts. Also, Walker was Dean of Victoria College of Art in Melbourne, Australia in 1980. He is presently the Professor Emeritus of Art at Boston University.
Walker is an experimental abstract painter who is constantly reinventing his approach to painting. Although his style has gone through several transitions over the years, the artist is constantly innovating in his quest to create exceptional works of art. His early works have lines, shapes, and movement in the tradition of abstract expressionism. Several works from the 1970s also show the influences of earlier painters like Francisco Goya, Édouard Manet, and Henri Matisse.
Walker is has distinguished himself through his artistic practice and he has been described as “one of the standout abstract painters of the last 50 years.” At 82, the artist continues to follow his passion.
John Walker’s The Centre, #2, an oil on canvas, 1985, is one of the prominently work in the show. The abstract painting is a gift from the Berkus Family. This is an important painting because it shows a progression from the 1970s when he started using oil paint and doing canvas collage.
In addition to works donated by collectors, artists are also contributing their works to help the museum grow. This has made the Westmont Contemporary Art Collection expansive. Noteworthy donations from artists include works by Connie Connally and Ken Jewesson.
Experien New Art
The works in the exhibition provide an opportunity for viewers to experience some of the outstanding works from the Westmont Contemporary Art Collection. More importantly, viewers get the chance to analyze and think deeply about the works they are viewing. Personal experiences may be valuable in understanding some works. “The art of our time requires thoughtful consideration,” Notes Larson. She adds: “The work may not speak to you at first, but we invite you to spend some time with each piece, approaching each with a creative and open mind.”
Westmont Contemporary Art Collection
The new exhibition is a fulfillment of one of the museum’s objectives of highlighting works donated to or purchased for the museum.
Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art regularly organizes exhibitions and auctions to raise funds. One of them is 5X5. The past 5X5 exhibition and auction was in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the project. Many Santa Barbara artists donated art as part of their contribution to ensuring the viability of the museum. Artists from 36 states were also represented in the show.
More than 600 pieces were sold during the “5X5: Celebrating 10 Years,” event. With bidders in both the U.S. and Australia, the auction realized more than $36,000 for arts programming at the museum. The top-grossing art pieces were by Kenton Nelson, Kenny Scharf, Billy Al Bengston, and “Shag” Josh Agle.
“The 5×5 exhibition was such a success and lots of fun too,” recalls Larson. Larson is thankful to all the “artists who participated, more artists than any other 5×5 fundraiser.”
Chris Rupp, curator and collections manager organized the exhibition and auction, while Tamara Vaughan, education and outreach coordinator oversaw logistics.
“We are also appreciative of everyone who bought artworks,” Larson says. “These small works make powerful statements.”
Selections from the Permanent Collection of Contemporary Art runs from January 14-March 27, 2021.
