Series Celebrates the Art of Romare Bearden Beginning Oct. 1

Story posted September 28, 2009

Bearden_Family_SUN.jpg
The Family, 1975, etching and aquatint, Edition 175, 21x26" (image) 22x30" (paper).

As an artist, Romare Bearden (1911-1988) constantly strove "to discover a personal way of expression that might be called new" while still "common to other men." Bearden's familiarity with the work of the Old Masters, whose paintings and drawings he frequently quoted in his own art, combined with his personal experiences as an African American in both the Deep South and New York City, created a unique body of work that was both personal and communal.

Bearden at Bowdoin, a series of programs, lectures, and exhibitions at the College, will celebrate the work of the acclaimed American artist beginning Thursday, October 1, 2009.

The series will launch October 1 with a kickoff reception at the Bowdoin College Museum of Art. All are welcome to gather in the pavilion of the Museum from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Two exhibitions featuring Bearden's works will open at the Museum on October 1. All exhibitions at the Bowdoin College Museum of Art are open to the public and admission is free.

From Process to Print: Graphic Works by Romare Bearden
Bernard and Barbro Osher, Halford, and Center Galleries

Focusing on the later period of his career, From Process to Print explores Romare Bearden's graphic oeuvre from the 1960s though the early 1980s. This nationally traveling exhibition focuses on the artist's innovative printmaking techniques and sheds new light on his sources of inspiration and process. The exhibition runs through January 3, 2010.

Exhibited in more than 150 group exhibitions and 10 solo museum shows, including a blockbuster exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art in 1971, Bearden won widespread recognition and praise during his lifetime. Featuring 75 works, this exhibition offers audiences a unique opportunity to go beneath the surface and better understand the Bearden's graphic work.

Heavy_Freight.jpg
Heavy Freight, 1974, from the 12 Trains Suite, photo etching with hand coloring, not editioned, 17 5/8x22 1/8" (image), 23 1/8x29 7/8" (paper).

Collages by Romare Bearden
Focus Gallery

From Process to Print will be complemented by an intimate show of original collages by Romare Bearden. Bearden began working with collage in the mid-1960s while part of Spiral Group, an organization concerned with the role of African Americans in the arts. A student of George Grosz, a German Dada artist, Bearden was familiar with the political history of collage. Bearden first exhibited his collages at the prominent New York City Cordier & Ekstrom Gallery in 1964.

As his signature medium, collage shaped Bearden's printmaking practice throughout his later career. As noted by Grace C. Stanislaus, the president of the Romare Bearden Foundation, "For Bearden, the process of making art was as important as the product that resulted." This exhibition runs through December 20, 2009.

Lecture Demonstration by Lion King Choreographer Garth Fagan
Friday, October 2, 2009
Pickard Theater, Memorial Hall, 7:30 p.m.
Admission free; tickets required (725-3375)

Renowned choreographer Garth Fagan was deeply inspired by both his personal relationship to Romare Bearden and the artist's work. Fagan choreographed COLLAGEFORROMIE based on one of Bearden's collages in his personal collection. In this lecture/demonstration, Fagan will speak about his influences, and dancers from the company will perform sections from his famous dance compositions. More information...

The Bowdoin College Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday until 8:30 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum is closed Mondays and national holidays. For more information call 207-725-3275.

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