New York State Museum shows Rockwell Kent ~ This Is My Own

Written by rubin Monday, 06 April 2009 02:36

Albany, NY - Artist Rockwell Kent (1882-1971) once said that “art is no more than the shadow cast by a man’s own stature.” This exhibition of materials from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh chronicles the life of a great New Yorker and his work, which was born out of both remarkable personal experience and a deep sense of moral and political principle. On exhibition through 6 July, 2009.

The Rockwell Kent Collection at Plattsburgh, established by a gift and bequest from Sally Kent Gorton between 1978 and 2000, continues to grow. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, books, bookplates, photographs, dinnerware, advertising art, and more, and is thus the most complete and balanced assemblage of Kent’s work in the United States.

The Kent Legacies generously donated an outstanding collection of first edition books written and/or illustrated by Rockwell Kent. Perhaps the most spectacular first edition is the Lakeside Press three volume Moby Dick which is in mint condition and housed in the original shipping box. At least one copy of all of Kent’s major book work is represented in the collection and the ephemera contains a fine cross section of handsome posters, bookplates, logos, letterheads, book announcements, Christmas cards, exhibition catalogs, and American-Soviet friendship material. The Kent Gallery and the Feinberg Library afford an unusual resource to scholars of twentieth century American Art. The Rockwell Kent Collection portrays Kent’s growth as an artist, as well as his varied interests of a humane and political nature.

The New York State Museum, located in the capital city of Albany, New York, is a major research and educational institution that, by law, conducts systematic investigations into the geology, biology, anthropology and history of New York. It is mandated to disseminate the results of this work through its educational and advisory services to benefit the economy, environment, health and education of the people of the State. The Museum hosts more than 750,000 visitors each year, making it one of the largest cultural attractions in the state. Visit : www.nysm.nysed.gov/