Annette Corcoran, "Painted Bunting", 1986
For human beings, insects can be compelling, frustrating and awe-inspiring creatures, as well as objects of study and contemplation. Open June 13 through October 17, 2010, "Insects and Invaders in RAM's Collection" features Racine Art Museum collection pieces that shine a spotlight not only on insects-whether in representational or abstract form-but also on some of those animals that are the necessary "invaders" in their lives, such as birds, frogs and others on the food chain.
Insects are significant players in the world's ecosystems and are the food source for numerous animals. In many cultures, insect imagery carries symbolic meaning. For example, in China, the grasshopper is connected to ideas of longevity, happiness and good luck, among other attributes. The scorpion is associated with healing and protection in Egypt, Tibet and Africa. Selections from RAM's glass, ceramics and wood collections underscore the connectedness of all creatures on the planet, especially when considered in conjunction with the other exhibitions currently on view. These artworks-not just "portraits" but also narrative scenes and abstract interpretations-
Unlike many museums that keep works from their permanent collections on constant display, the Racine Art Museum changes all of its exhibition galleries three times each year. The museum selects from its holdings of over 5,000 objects to create specific thematic exhibitions. Oftentimes, as with "Insects and Invaders", RAM draws on its major exhibitions to suggest topics for permanent collection shows that run simultaneously at the museum.
The theme for this RAM exhibition is inspired by "All the Buzz: Insects Invade RAM", an exciting collection of exhibits and programs with an artistic focus on insects. "All the Buzz" includes nationally respected artists Catherine Chalmers, Jennifer Angus and JoAnna Poehlmann. For more information about these exhibitions, events and classes, visit www.ramart.org.
The presentation of this exhibition at the Racine Art Museum was made possible by: Presenting Sponsors - Karen Johnson Boyd and William B. Boyd, RAM Society Members, S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., The Hearst Foundation, Inc. and Windgate Charitable Foundation; Gold Sponsors - Racine United Arts Fund, The Richard and Ethel Herzfeld Foundation, and Wisconsin Arts Board; Silver Sponsors - Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation and Real Racine; Bronze Sponsors - E. C. Styberg Foundation, Inc., In Sink Erator, Midwest Contemporary Glass Art Group, and Target.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
