Ongoing/upcoming

Central Massachusetts Artist Initiative

Sidney and Rosalie Rose Gallery Nancy Diessner Through November 6, 2022 Artist Nancy Diessner, a printmaker based in Florence, MA, explores the intersection of sculpture, photography, painting, and drawing in her current work. Her imagery is created through various alternative photographic and printmaking processes that use UV light to expose film to plates that she then prints like traditional etchings. She draws inspiration from rowing and the river environment. Moving her long, thin boat over the surface of water, Diessner has stated, “…my boat becomes an extension of my studio.” In her recent work she has used paper made from invasive plant species to shape the forms of her boat-like objects. In these pieces, figures and animals—often engaged with water—rest and float within the cocoon of the boat forms. Diessner works in low-toxicity printmaking processes and teaches workshops at Zea Mays Printmaking in Northampton.

Supported by the Don and Mary Melville Contemporary Art Fund.

Brittany Severance November 9, 2022 – May 7, 2023 Our expectations of how a photograph or video should look is challenged in this new CMAI installation of works from Brittany Severance’s ongoing photographic series Blind/Blend and her film, Illuminated. The Worcester-based multimedia artist explores the relationship between vision and understanding, manipulating the camera to capture the world as she sees it. An assistant professor at Worcester State University, Severance has a degenerative vision impairment Brittany Severance , What’s left of the birthday cake, © Brittany Severance that informs and shapes her creative practice. The artist simulates her uncorrected severe near-sightedness by photographing her daily life using a soft focus and a shallow depth of field. She says she invites viewers “to consider alternative ways of seeing the world…and to build an understanding and connection between full sighted individuals (including those who may use corrective lenses) and people who have low vision.” In her work, Severance asks: is identifying an image’s source material important or “can we accept it as something unique and beautiful on its own?”

Supported by the Don and Mary Melville Contemporary Art Fund.

Japanese Case Rotation

Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor Through February 2024 For nearly 1,000 years, Japan was ruled by samurai, members of the nation’s warrior class. During that time, these great warriors maintained a delicate balance between, and paradoxical relationship with, the arts of war and culture (bu and bun). This balance of military prowess and beauty—as well as the evolving position of samurai arms and armor in Japanese society, culture, and craftsmanship—is exquisitely demonstrated in the current Japanese Gallery case installation. The installation includes a selection of samurai helmets, swords, armor components, and firearms that show the extraordinary breadth and versatility of the armorer’s skill. These are objects that withstood the rigors of warfare, but also spoke to the importance of art to the samurai. This is especially evident in the assortment of decorative sword guards, or tsubas, on display. Embellished with images from nature, mythical scenes, or poetry, these tiny metal canvases perfectly illustrate the samurai’s dual roles as warrior and stateman. The armor makers kept busy even during peace time, turning their attention to less militaristic activities, including creating amazing jizai figures. The Art of the Samurai includes two tour de force examples of these realisticallyshaped animals: a spiny lobster and a dragon. Made from numerous hammered iron plates, the articulated figures move like real animals— and epitomize the Japanese metalworker’s genius and artistry.

Top: Attributed to Myōchin Munekazu (Japanese), Articulated "Jizai" Figurine of a Dragon (tatsu), 1850–1900, iron. The John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection, 2014.610 Bottom: Nanban School (Japanese, 18th century), Tsuba (sword guard) with Dragons, Waves, and Tendrils, 1700s, iron with gold inlay (hira-zōgan). The John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection, 2014.108

SPOTLIGhT SERIES 22/23

The Worcester Art Museum’s Spotlight Series features in-depth presentations by art scholars, providing insights and stories about works in the Museum’s collection or on view in special exhibitions. The art talks are held on most third Sundays at 2pm. For information about upcoming Spotlight Series talks, please visit worcesterart.org/events/talks.

Hosted by the WAM Members’ Council, the Spotlight Series is presented with support from the Bernard G. and Louise B. Palitz Fund and the Amelia and Robert H. Haley Memorial Lecture Fund.

Sponsored by:

Did you know?

Every exhibition and program at WAM is only possible through the generosity of people who care about the Museum and the topic being presented. Individual donors are vital, along with foundations and corporations. If you would like to learn more or offer your personal support for one of WAM’s extraordinary exhibitions or programs, please contact Karmen Bogdesic at KarmenBogdesic@worcesterart.org or 508.793.4326.

Flora

inWinter

Save the Date!

MARCH 2–5, 2023

Get a welcome taste of spring during WAM’s annual floral design extravaganza. Flora in Winter is celebrating its 20th anniversary! 2023 Flora in Winter Chairs: Kim Cutler, Kathy Michie, and Sarah Ribeiro, and Committee Members: Sally Jablonski and Julie Lapham.

Flora in Winter is supported in part by the Bernard G. and Louise B. Palitz Fund and the Spear Fund for Public Programs.