Art, like politics, can create change. The artists represented in the Asheville Art Museum’s new exhibition Creating Change: Political Art from the Permanent Collection have created works that are a catalyst for dialogue.
These artists recognize that while art can be enjoyed passively for its beauty and formal qualities, art also has the power to effect change. By raising public awareness, evoking emotional responses and expressing controversial opinions, art can make an impact on the viewer and subsequently encourage discussion, action and reform. This exhibition features photography, sculpture, paintings and prints from the 1930s to the present that challenge viewers to reflect on difficult issues, ultimately striving to motivate viewers to action. While they are each rooted in their own time and place, many of the issues they cover continue to be relevant in our own day and age.
The exhibition runs through October 30, 2016 and was organized by the Asheville Art Museum in conjunction with Dr. Kenneth Betsalel, Professor of Political Science at the University of North Carolina, Asheville.
Related programs include:
– Art Break on Friday, September 30 at 12:00 p.m., with Dr. Kenneth Betsalel, Professor of Political Science, UNC Asheville + Carolyn Grosch, Associate Curator. Free with membership or Museum admission.
– Exhibition Reception on Friday, October 7, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Pay-as-you-wish admission (held in conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk).
Founded by artists in 1948 in Asheville, NC, the Asheville Art Museum annually presents an exciting, inviting and active schedule of exhibitions and public programs based on its permanent collection of 20th and 21st century American art. Any visit will also include experiences with works of significance to Western North Carolina’s cultural heritage including Studio Craft, Black Mountain College and Cherokee artists. Special exhibitions feature renowned regional and national artists and explore issues of enduring interest. The Museum also offers a wide array of innovative, inspiring and entertaining educational programs for people of all ages.
(Image: Anne Lemanski, DEREGULATOR, 2011, Copper wire, novelty money, fabric, artificial sinew. Museum purchase with finds provided by Robyn and John Horn. 2012.01.38.)