ALL THE BUZZ: Museum Welcomes Insects Within and On Its Walls

April 8, 2010 - PRLog -- Culturally, insects have long been considered an unwanted aspect in our human environment. Artist Jennifer Angus challenges this notion by forcing her audience to confront the many apprehensions they have towards insects by creating a walk-in environment of dioramas and elegant wallpaper-like installations. Open April 25 through September 26, Jennifer Angus: Patterns of Insect Life http://www.ramart.org/ram/Jennifer-Angus.html calls our attention to the inherent beauty of insects while exploring ideas of home and comfort.

As children we tend to have a greater sense of wonder for the insect world, collecting caterpillars, fireflies and spiders. But in time, this wonder dissipates, turning into disgust particularly when insects invade the confines of our homes. Angus tries to recapture this magic by creating comforting wallpapered environments that could be in anyone’s home. However, on closer inspection, one realizes that the intricate patterns before them are, in fact, insects artfully pinned to the wall. Angus has taken these unwanted creatures, brought them into the “home” and made them once again objects of wonder.

Her installations take inspiration from the exciting Victorian era – the age of travel, exploration, scientific discovery and the dawn of photography. Voracious collecting of all manner of plants and wildlife was extremely popular. Angus’ work, on the contrary, examines insects through the lens of ecology and her use of insects is, in fact, the use of renewable resources.

Angus uses real insects that are farmed or collected by local indigenous peoples who live in and around the rainforest. She purchases her unusual specimens through reputable dealers located throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Since most of the species come from a rain forest environment, the people collecting them are protecting, rather than destroying, the jungle that provides for their livelihood.

In addition, Angus reuses insects for different installations. After an exhibition, the specimens are gently pinned to foam boards and put into boxes. If damage occurs, every attempt is made to repair the insect before it has to be discarded. Those beyond repair are given to children to further study and appreciate.

On Friday, June 4, 2010 at 6:30 pm, Jennifer Angus will guide visitors through a behind-the-scenes tour of Patterns of Insect Life with RAM Executive Director and Curator of Collections, Bruce W. Pepich. This event takes place during downtown Racine’s Free First Friday in June, which includes free RAM admission and extended museum hours from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Visitors are encouraged to participate in a free family hands-on art event from 4:00 – 8:00 pm.

All the Buzz: Insects Invade RAM
This summer, the Racine Art Museum will be invaded by insects – as depicted by contemporary artists. RAM announces an exciting array of exhibitions and programming that feature these crawling, flying, hovering, and often times, beautiful creatures at both museum locations. RAM hosts Catherine Chalmers: American Cockroach, http://www.ramart.org/ram/Catherine-Chalmers.html a mid-career survey of large-scale color photographic images and a number of recent videos that humanize these insects and call out attention to the preciousness of life.

Visitors are also invited to marvel at the unexpected natural beauty of insects created by a life-long Milwaukee resident. The Insectopedia of JoAnna Poehlmann http://www.ramart.org/ram/JoAnna-Poehlmann.html features graphics and artists’ books unified by both the subject matter of insects and her clever use of visual and verbal puns.

Insects and Invaders in RAM’s Collection presents artworks from RAM’s significant permanent holdings that depict insects, their view of the natural environment, and their predators in the cycle of life. Works in a variety of craft media such as ceramics, metals and wood will be included. Eccentric Insects features installations of small- scale works by mid-career contemporary artists, working in fibers, glass and metal, who have created imaginative works depicting insects and insect imagery specifically for RAM’s smaller Ruffo and Schumann Galleries.

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 WindgateCharitable 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.

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The Racine Art Museum is one of North America's most significant contemporary craft museums. Its focus is on work from internationally recognized artists in ceramics, fibers, glass, metals and wood, as well as painting, sculpture and works on paper.