Terra Nova: Polymer Art at the Crossroads
October 21, 2011 - February 5, 2012
Featuring over 200 objects made of polymer, including adornment, vessels, and furniture, Terra Nova: Polymer Art at the Crossroads reflects a short but sweet period in the history of creative endeavors. The exhibition highlights advances in the use of polymer as an artistic material over the last 30 years and forecasts potential for the future. While Terra Nova debuts a large portion of work RAM received to establish a permanent collection of polymer art, it is also comprised of works borrowed from artists, private lenders, and galleries.
Narrowing the focus in order to emphasize how far the field has come in a short time, Terra Nova features 34 artists yet spotlights eight Boundary Breakers—artists who have been recognized within the polymer field and/or by other contemporary craft disciplines, such as Art Jewelry and furniture. The Boundary Breakers—Bonnie Bishoff and J.M. Syron, Jeffrey Lloyd Dever, Kathleen Dustin, Steven Ford and David Forlano, Tory Hughes, Cynthia Toops, Pier Voulkos, and Elise Winters—will be represented by new works as well as pieces that offer a visual history of their experimentation in polymer. In addition to featuring the Boundary Breakers, supplemental pieces from the museum’s permanent collection will support a historical look at polymer’s development and demonstrate the scope of RAM’s holdings.
MORE ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Terra Nova: Polymer Art at the Crossroads
Published by Racine Art Museum
Purchase your copy now
American Craft
October/November 2011
Art Jewelry
September 2011
ARTISTS IN EXHIBITION
Jamey Allen, Kathleen Amt, Bonnie Bishoff and J.M. Syron, Rachel Carren, Dan Cormier, Jeffrey Lloyd Dever, Debra DeWolff, Kathleen Dustin, Steven Ford and David Forlano, Gwen Gibson, Linda Goff, Michael Grove, Ruth Anne Grove, Lindly Haunani, Carl Hornberger, Tory Hughes, Donna Kato, Ronnie Kirsch, Judy Kuskin, Maggie Maggio, Wendy Wallin Malinow, Sandra McCaw, Linda Pedersen, Nan Roche, Sarah Shriver, Carol Simmons, Barbara Sperling, Cynthia Toops, Pier Voulkos, Melanie West, Elise Winters, and Amy Zinman.
Woodland Ruffle Cuff, 2008
Polymer and acrylic
Racine Art Museum, Gift of the Artist
Photography: Penina Meisels
Rocket Vessel, 2000
Polymer, aluminum, and rubber
Racine Art Museum, Gift of the Artist
Photography: Penina Meisels
Bamboo BioBangle, 2008
Polymer
Racine Art Museum, Gift of Elise Winters and Sherwood Rudin
Photography: Penina Meisels
Pier VoulkosPearled Fiesta, 2002
Polymer, cotton thread, and metal wire
Collection of the artist
Photography: Susan Buhler-Maki
Meander Credenza, 2006
Polymer, ash, and Japanese tamo wood
Racine Art Museum, Gift of the Artists
Photography: Dean Powell Photography
Brooch, 2007-2008
Polymer and sterling silver
Racine Art Museum, George Gorton III Acquisitions Fund Purchase
Photography: Penina Meisels
Blossoming Radil, 2006
Polymer, nickel-plated, glass beads, and plastic-coated wire
Racine Art Museum, Gift of the Artist
Photography: Penina Meisels
Anemone Necklace (detail), 1997
Polymer, shell, bone, glass beads, and sterling silver
Racine Art Museum, Gift of the Artist
Photography: Penina Meisels
Koi Bowl with Lilac Stand, 2006
Polymer and lilac branches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of the Artist
Photography: Penina Meisels
Asparagus Crown Bracelet, 2006
Polymer and elastic
Racine Art Museum, Gift of the Artist
Photography: Penina Meisels
Highlights from the Polymer Symposium
This exhibition at the Racine Art Museum is made possible by: Presenting Sponsors - Karen Johnson Boyd and William B. Boyd, RAM Society Members, Jay Price Ruffo, S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., and Windgate Charitable Foundation; Gold Sponsors - Helen Bader Foundation, Inc., Penina Meisels, National Endowment for the Arts, Racine Community Foundation, Inc., Racine United Arts Fund, Elise Winters and Woody Rudin, and Wisconsin Arts Board; Silver Sponsors - Rachel Carren and Mark Young, Cotsen Foundation for Academic Research, Hollie Mion, Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation, and W.T. Walker Group, Inc.; Bronze Sponsors - Clifton Gunderson LLP, CNH America LLC, In Sink Erator, Knight-Barry Title, Inc., and Real Racine.