The University of San Diego's Galleries Presents Whistler's "The Etching Revival"

Written by Ralph Emberson Monday, 10 October 2011 00:35

San Diego, California.- The University of San Diego's Robert and Karen Hoehn Family Galleries are pleased to present "Atmospheres in Ink: Whistler and the Etching Revival" on view until December 11th. Drawing from public institutions in California and selected private collections elsewhere, this exhibition of more than sixty prints investigates how Whistler and his contemporaries exploited the etching medium to evoke the elusive qualities of atmosphere. The span of James Abbott McNeill Whistler’s career as an etcher will be represented with some of his most canonical compositions—including prints from his Thames set, French set and two Venetian series.

Set within claustrophobic interiors or alongside urban waterways, the objects included in the exhibition demonstrate the creative range of the etching technique. Multiple states of a single print as well as impressions on different paper types will further emphasize the specific technical choices made by Whistler and his cohort in their printmaking practice. The beginnings of Whistler’s involvement with etching will be shown through his connection with Francis Seymour Haden, amateur artist and print collector.

Whistler’s impact on artists of his day will be seen in prints by friend and follower Theodore Roussel and Joseph Pennell, early critic and historian of Whistler’s work as a printmaker. These comparisons will help elucidate the development and legacy of Whistler’s distinctive style of etching, the impact of which continues to be relevant to artists working today.

The University of San Diego houses four exhibition spaces: the Hoehn Family Galleries, the May Gallery, the Fine Art Galleries and the Exhibit Hall. These galleries feature a variety of different genres and themed exhibitions. A majority of these gallery events are scheduled during the academic school year. Dedicated to the display of prints and works on paper spanning the fifteenth century to the present day, the Robert and Karen Hoehn Family Galleries exhibit works of art — from USD’s permanent collection as well as from institutions throughout the state of California—during the academic year. Through the presentation of exhibitions, these spaces continue the long-standing tradition of Founders Hall to provide an arena for contemplation and social exchange. Originally designed as themed parlors for the San Diego College of Women, the galleries were converted to their present function in recent decades. As a result of a generous gift from the Hoehn family in 2006, the galleries were renovated and rededicated to the exhibition of prints. Visit the gallery's website at ... http://www.sandiego.edu/artgalleries/

---

Click on logo below to add this article to your favorite Social Website ~