The Hudson River Museum has added a new work - "Mishe-Nahma" by Janice Gordon to "Imaging the River," an exhibition of photography, painting, sculpture and video that shows the Hudson as seen in the romantic mid-nineteenth century paintings of the Hudson River School and in twentieth- century environmentally inspired artwork. The exhibition is on view through May 23.
Janice Gordon's sculpture of an Atlantic sturgeon, "the King of Fishes," joins the show's commissioned contemporary works of the river and river life changed by the nation's explosive growth. Gordon's sturgeon has a life-like head and tale but its torso is missing. A small sturgeon, covered with a white net, floats in that space. While the large sturgeon's missing torso shows the sturgeon's vulnerability, the small fish signifies both hope and fragility. Its womb-like net asks us to care for, rather than capture it.
"Imaging the River" is sponsored in part by AVR Realty Company.
March and May programs at the museum focus on the Hudson.
Sea-Fever: Panoramas and the Hudson River
Sunday, March 7, 3-4 p.m.
In the nineteenth century, the "RAMA" craze let people see the world in new ways. Dr. Roger Panetta, Associate Professor and the Chair of the History Department, Marymount College of Fordham University, explores this exciting visual art form. Co-sponsored by the Hastings-on-Hudson Historical Society. Free with museum admission.
Imaging the River Exhibition (through May 23) and Programs:
Artists Conversations and Tours
Sunday, March 14, 3-4 p.m.
Video artist Alan Michelson describes the evolution of "Twilight, Indian Point," his panoramic video that captures the river at close of day. A Mohawk member of Six Nations of the Grand River, the artist speaks about his exploration of the North American landscape, culture and history for his mixed-media installations. Co-sponsored by the Hastings-on-Hudson Historical Society.
Reconsidering the River A Symposium
Sunday, May 2, 1-4:45 p.m.
The Hudson River Museum and Guest Curator of Imaging the River, Amy Lipton, host a panel discussion and networking session for artists and river enthusiasts. Moderated by Roger Panetta, PhD, Associate Professor and Chair of the History Department, Marymount College of Fordham University.
1-3 p.m., Panel Discussion
Panelists representing the arts, literature, science and history discuss presentations of the Hudson in art and literature, and the activism that is bringing about river restoration.
Panelists: Artist Basia Irland who focuses on the scientific and spiritual dimensions of water; Artist Robert Braine who investigates land use and the changes industry has brought to rivers; Artist Eve André Laramée who "maps" industrial impact on the river; Artist Janice Gordon whose sculpture of an Atlantic sturgeon presents this ancient fish in a new way; David Rothenberg, editor of Terra Nova Journal (MIT Press); Sidney Horenstein, American Museum of Natural History geologist; and Steve Stanne, naturalist for the Hudson River Estuary Program.
3-4 p.m., Music by David Rothenberg
4-4:45 p.m., River Artists Networks
Networking opportunities for gallery owners, curator and artists whose works focus on the Hudson River. Established and emerging artists may register on the River Artists Registry, co-sponsored by The Hudson River Museum, Rivertown Arts Council and Wave Hill.
Program fee: $9 ($3 Hudson River Museum, Wave Hill and the Rivertowns Arts Council Members). Fee includes museum admission. (914) 963-4550. www.hrm.org/.
