Two exhibitions
dal 31/7/2014 al 28/11/2014
Segnalato da
31/7/2014
Two exhibitions
Missoula Art Museum, Missoula
'The Kent State Paintings' were produced following the Kent State tragedy by Montana artist Helen McAuslan. 'Ubiquitous: Paths of Pathogens' includes enlarged imagery of pathogens and microorganisms.
Helen McAuslan: The Kent State Paintings
August 1- November 22, 2014 // Travel Montana Lobby in the Andrew
Precht Addition
Missoula, MT / May 1, 2014 / Missoula Art Museum (MAM) / On loan from the Museum of the Rockies,
these important paintings were produced following the Kent State tragedy by Montana artist Helen
McAuslan. McAuslan was an early Montana modernist who maintained a working ranch in Springdale,
MT, and later lived in a cabin on the Boulder River near McLeod, MT. She was extremely well-traveled,
and a gifted and prolific draftsman and painter. During her lifetime she worked in isolation, largely
ignored by the art world. Yet she remained a deeply committed humanitarian, who found meaningful
friendships with fellow artists Frances Senska and Bob and Gennie DeWeese. These lifelong friends
worked diligently to preserve McAuslan’s legacy. She died in the early 1970s and the majority of her
work was gifted to the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, MT. The Kent State paintings were among
her last works included in that gift.
On May 4, 1970 Ohio National guardsman fired 67 rounds over 13 seconds into a crowd of students.
They killed four students and wounded nine others, one of whom suffered permanent paralysis. The Kent
State incident profoundly affected public opinion during an already contentious time over the role of
the United States in the Vietnam War. McAuslan was also deeply affected and was immediately
inspired to create these works.
It is especially important to display these works at this time, as MAM is featuring two exhibitions that
seek to inspire a dialogue surrounding the Vietnam experience, in conjunction with the Big Read and
Festival of the Books’ emphasis on Vietnam era literature. McAuslin’s paintings are reflective of the
cultural fabric and inspired human passion of the time. The exhibition will be accompanied by text
composed by Dr. H. Rafael Chacón, Associate Professor of Art History and Criticism, The University of
Montana.
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Ubiquitous: Paths of Pathogens
August 1 - November 29, 2014 // Morris and Helen Silver Gallery
Missoula, MT / May 1, 2014 / Missoula Art Museum (MAM) / Although a recent graduate of The
University of Montana with an MFA in Drawing, Caughey has never strayed far from her background
and training as a biochemist. This remarkable exhibition is inspired by tracking the routes that
pathogens take as they travel throughout the world. Caughey has been concerned with global
influences that we contemplate as inescapable. This is a recurring theme in her work and she sees the
end result in her efforts to encourage dialogue and problem solving. The focus of Paths of Pathogens is
a large-scale triptych of etched glass. The exhibition will provide significant educational fodder for
educational tours.
Caughey takes advantage of the natural abstraction that exists when we choose to control our point of
view. By taking a micro look at organisms and enlarging that view, Caughey reveals what seems like
new visions and ideas; abstraction is indeed realism. The exhibition will include enlarged imagery of
pathogens and microorganisms. Made for MAM’s gallery, these larger images are in fact natural views
that are perfect to be shared in a museum setting. The exhibition encourages the viewer to contemplate
the journeys these organisms travel in our own community and world-wide.
The Missoula Art Museum strives to engage artists
and audience in the creative exploration of contemporary art relevant to our community, state and
region. Founded in 1975 and accredited by the American Association of Museums since 1987, MAM
showcases diverse and thought-provoking contemporary artwork from local and international artists.
This exhibition and workshop are supported by The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.
Contact: For more information, please contact the Missoula Art Museum at 406.728.0447, visit the
MAM website at www.missoulaartmuseum.org or contact Stephen Glueckert, Senior Exhibitions Curator,
stevegl@missoulaartmuseum.org, 406.728.0447 x226.
Artist Reception: August 1, 5-8 PM
Artist Gallery Talk: August 1, 7 PM
Missoula Art Museum
335 North Pattee - Missoula, Montana
Gallery Hours: Tuesday- Saturday, 10 AM - 5 PM, Sunday, 12-5 PM. Office hours: Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM.
FREE EXPRESSION / FREE ADMISSION