Gibbes Museum of Art Shows Impressionist Paintings from the Permanent Collection

Written by Antonio Pittman Saturday, 02 July 2011 20:15

Charleston, SC – Now on view at the Gibbes Museum of Art is an ongoing exhibition of Impressionist paintings.  Drawn from the Gibbes’ permanent collection, Impressionism in Charleston includes works by such artists as William Merritt Chase, Childe Hassam and Edmund Tarbell, who were instrumental in spreading impressionist theories throughout America, including the South . This exhibition explores how Chase, Hassam and Tarbell spread impressionism in Charleston through their travels, students and patrons.

Impressionist style is characterized by the use of pure color and loose, broken brushstrokes to capture the fleeting effects of light, most often through the depiction of landscapes and genre scenes.  The movement was pioneered in France by such artists as Claude Monet, Mary Cassat and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.  Though controversial at its outset, the Impressionist style flourished in the late 19^th century and is considered today to have been one of the most important movements in the visual arts.

 GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART
As Charleston’s only visual arts museum, our programs are designed to foster the development of a personal relationship between our visitors and the works on view. We want to generate conversations on art and culture and we welcome all audiences – frequent museum visitors and first-time guests.

Established as the Carolina Art Association in 1858, the Gibbes Museum of Art opened its doors to the public in 1905.  Located in Charleston’s historic district, the Gibbes houses a premier collection of over 10,000 works of fine art, principally American works with a Charleston or Southern connection and presents 12-15 special exhibitions annually.  In addition, the museum offers an extensive complement of public programming and educational outreach initiatives.  As the aesthetic heart of the Low-country, the Gibbes serves the community by stimulating creative expression, increasing economic vitality through tourism, and improving the region’s superb quality of life.  Visit : www.gibbesmuseum.org