Friday Conversations on Exhibitions
Friday, February 1, 11 a.m.
Peter Held, curator
Public Reception
Friday, February 22, 8:30 – 10:30pm
Following Gala Weekend lecture
A HUMAN IMPULSE:
Figuration from the Diane and Sandy Besser Collection
Passionate collectors since 1964, Diane and Sandy Besser have amassed a major collection of ceramics that initially started with vessel forms and teapots. Their interest became more focused on figurative ceramic sculpture, an area they felt was being overlooked and under appreciated. The Bessers have supported both established and emerging artists – the works offering varying perspectives on the human condition, ranging from political commentary and psychological drama to humorous observations of daily life.
After Diane’s death, Sandy visited the ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center. He found that his aspirations for the collection were matched by the Center’s initiatives in increased public accessibility. Since 2003, Besser has donated more than 150 works, providing significant depth in figurative ceramic sculpture. The exhibition highlights 65 works and is accompanied by a color catalogue.
Exhibition Artists
Artists represented in the exhibition include: Wesley Anderegg, Skuja Braden, Robert Brady, Christie Brown, Beth Cavener Stichter, Jimon Choi, Linda Cordell, Marko Fields, Michael Gross, Margaret Israel, John Jensen, Michael Lucero, Joe Mariscal, Megumi Naitoh, Eric Nelsen, Koi Neng Liew, Tom Rippon, Akio Takamori, Peter Vanden Berge, Kristine Veith, Stan Welsh, Elizabeth Zacher, Arnold Zimmerman, Bob Rose, Chris Antemann, Renee Audette, Adrian Arleo, Tom Bartel, Anthony Bennett, Russell Biles, Christyl Boger, Neil Brownsword, Jim Budde, John Byrd, Lisa Clauge, Richard Cleaver, Paul Day, Jack Earl, Ed Eberle, Doug Jeck, Margaret Keelan, Max Lehman, Jean-Pierre Laroque, Jan Mars Wunderlich, Andy Nasisse, Ted Saupe, Scott Schoenherr, Dirk Staschke, James Tisdale, Tip Toland, Monica Vanden Dool, Noi Volkov, George Walker, Jason Walker, Maryann Webster, Sun-Koo Yuh and Wanxin Zhang.
ASU Art Museum Presentation
Organized by Peter Held, A HUMAN IMPULSE: Figuration from the Diane and Sandy Besser Collection, is installed in the ASU Art Museum’s Nelson Fine Arts Center at Arizona State University.
Duration
A HUMAN IMPULSE: Figuration from the Diane and Sandy Besser Collection (January 26-April 27, 2008) Tuesday through Saturday from 11a.m.-5p.m., Sunday from 1-5 p.m., closed Monday.
SUPPORT
This exhibition is supported by the members of CLA, the Herberger College of the Arts Ceramics Enrichment Fund, Kathryn Boeckaman Howd, Duncan and Elizabeth Boeckman and anonymous donors.
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