Ongoing/upcoming

Central Massachusetts Artist Initiative

Sidney and Rosalie Rose Gallery

Cesar Rodrigues Through May 8, 2022

Cesar Rodrigues is a Worcesterbased abstract artist who responds to the material properties of acrylic paint. Through explorations in color, texture, gravity, and viscosity, his paintings are recognized for their sophisticated and vibrant palettes. Rodrigues considers his body of work a metaphysical representation of what lies outside of our perceived reality. At an early age Rodrigues was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy which causes progressive muscle weakness. When he could no longer hold a paintbrush, Cesar Rodrigues, Untitled, 2008, acrylic on canvas, © Cesar Rodrigues Easterseals Massachusetts helped engineer a custom-built assistive device that pours paint and rotates a canvas using Bluetooth technology. Today, he is a beacon of inspiration in the greater Central Massachusetts art community.

Supported by the Don and Mary Melville Contemporary Art Fund.

Nancy Diessner

May 10 – November 10, 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.

Nancy Diessner, Boat 1, 2019, © Nancy Diessner Japanese, 64-plate Hoshi Kabuto (rivet helmet), 1500s, iron, lacquer, copper alloy, gilded shakudo, leather, silk and fabric. The John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection, 2014.720

Japanese Case Rotation

Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor Through February 2024 Samurai, members of Japan’s warrior class, ruled the country for nearly a millennium, from the 12th through the 19th century, and continue to be revered as symbols of bravery, loyalty, and honor. While they initially rose to power due to their military prowess, they maintained their elevated positions through political, financial, and cultural acumen. They were expected to hold administrative positions within their military government. In addition, and in contrast to the brutality of their profession, they also became highly-cultivated individuals, practicing and supporting the arts, such as calligraphy and painting. The elaborate arms and armor of the samurai thus speak to their duties as both warriors and statesmen. These materials could withstand the rigors of warfare, but were also aesthetic objects appropriate for ceremonial purposes and public display. During the peaceful Edo period (1615-1868), samurai arms and armor evolved from functional military gear to coveted symbols of wealth, status, and power. The objects on display here demonstrate not only the delicate balance between, and paradoxical relationship of, bu and bun—the arts of war and of culture—that characterized Japan’s great warriors, but also the evolving position of samurai arms and armor in Japanese society, culture, and craftsmanship.

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.