November 16, 2007 - March 18, 2008
Chuck Close has been making self-portraits since the late 1960s. He bases these efforts on photographs that he takes of himself and then methodically, laboriously, repeatedly—and always inventively—translates into other media: paintings, drawings, textiles, and prints.
Close’s investment in such processes forms the subject of his Self-Portrait/Scribble/Etching Portfolio of 2000, a set of twenty-five prints made to illustrate the steps required to produce a single twelve-color etching. As Close described his intentions for the project: “…the best thing is if you can pull a rabbit out of a hat, and then stop and show somebody how you pull a rabbit out of a hat.”
This exhibition explores the technique and subject of the Portfolio, using it as a lens through which to examine the intersections and parallels that structure Close’s artistic ideas.
Chuck Close Self-Portrait/Scribble/Etching Portfolio, 2000 is made possible at the Mead Art Museum with generous support from the Hall and Kate Peterson Fund.
The exhibition is accompanied by a full-color catalogue featuring a new interview with the artist, on sale at the museum bookshop. The exhibition has been organized in conjunction with the Picker Art Gallery, Colgate University, and the Colby College Museum of Art.
Events:
Sunday, March 9th, 12:00 - 1:00
The Chuck Close Assembly Line, Gallery Talk
The Mead Art Museum at Amherst College is pleased to present an afternoon talk with Ali Osborn, Raphael Griswold and Teddy O’Connor, three local artists who will discuss their experience carving twenty-two woodblocks for an ukiyo-e print by Chuck Close. What is Japanese ukiyo-e printmaking? What was it like to create someone else’s artwork? Would they ever do it again? The talk will be held at the Mead Art Museum from 12:00 to 1:00pm on Sunday, March 9th, and will be followed by light refreshments.
Gallery Talk by exhibition curator, Anne Monahan
Thursday, December 6th, 4:30 p.m.
Arms Gallery, Mead Art Museum
Reception to follow
Free, fully accessible, and open to the public