INFORMATION FOR
An exhibit of three-dimensional abstract sculptures by New Jersey artist Betty McGeehan that depict society’s relentless consumption of earth’s dwindling natural resources is on view at the Ben Shahn Galleries at William Paterson University in Wayne from March 21 to April 22. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
The exhibit, in Ben Shahn’s South Gallery, features works from McGeehan’s “Deforestation Series.” McGeehan blends tree branches, bamboo, jute, gold leaf, found objects and steam-bent wood to fashion talismanic objects that suggest reliquaries, shrines and altarpieces.
“Money, greed and consumption are the ironic inspiration for my latest series of sculptures,” says McGeehan. Overwhelmed by the beauty of the rainforest during a trip to Australia and New Zealand, she became aware of the global crisis of deforestation, the clearing of naturally occurring forests by logging and burning.
“Each work serves as a metaphor for the precious balance and struggle of man and nature,” she explains. “The natural elements, taken out of the context of their environment, represent human manipulation and consumption. They draw attention to the beauty of nature, while at the same time showing its exploitation through usurpation driven by an ever-growing greed. “
McGeehan has received numerous awards including a New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowship and three Dodge Foundations fellowships. Her works have been featured in numerous one-person and group throughout the Northeast and are held in dozens of museum and corporate collections. She is a resident of Morristown.
The exhibit is one of three shows on view concurrently in the Ben Shahn Galleries. In the East Gallery is “Bascha Mon: Mountains, Barriers and Poppy Fields,” a selection of paintings. On view in the Court Gallery is “Objects of Power: Selections from the Joan and Gordon Tobias Collection of African Art.”
This exhibit is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Ben Shahn Galleries are wheelchair-accessible. Large-print handouts are available. For additional information, please call the Ben Shahn Galleries at William Paterson University, 973-720-2654.
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