The new year brings a fresh line-up of exhibitions at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, as well as an two additional exhibitions being extended and the continuation of a Prospect.2 exhibition.
Opening on Jan. 5 are two Education exhibitions: Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary Art Contest and Looking to Learn: Ursuline Academy. On Jan. 19, the Museum is premiering exhibitions focusing on three Louisiana artists: The Created World of Enrique Alférez, The Past Still Present: Photographs by David Halliday; and Jimmy Descant’s The Shape of Louisiana Commenting on the Shape of Louisiana. Two exhibitions, also featuring Louisiana artists, have been extended to Feb. 26, 2012: Ersy: Architect of Dreams and Josephine Sacabo’s Óyeme Con Los Ojos. And the acclaimed Prospect.2 exhibition featuring New Orleans native Ashton Ramsey will be on view until Jan. 29, 2012.
On Jan. 19, there will be a special opening during Ogden After Hours, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., featuring the Louisiana Hellbenders.
Opening January 19, 2012
The Created World of Enrique Alférez
Easily recognizable for its simple elegant lines, excellent craftsmanship, and iconic imagery, the work of Enrique Alférez has become an integral part of the city of New Orleans. Alférez was a driven artist, dedicated to a democratic ideal of public art, and unflinching in his vision of the world he created.
Born in 1901 in the State of Zacatecas, Mexico, Alférez was the son of an artist who was trained in Europe and sculpted religious figures in Northern Mexico. At the age of 12, Alférez left home to work for Pancho Villa during the Mexican Revolution. After the revolution, Alférez made his way to Chicago for formal art training. On his way to Yucatan for a sculptural commission, he stopped in New Orleans in May 1929, and made the city his home. Over the next seven decades he produced a legion of works, both public and private, that stand as testament to his unique ability, exuberance and vision.The exhibition will feature sculptural work in bronze, plaster, wood, and terra cotta, as well as a selection of works on paper. On view through April 2, 2012.
The Past Still Present: Photographs by David Halliday
A master of light, New Orleans photographer David Halliday produces lush and elegant images that are both classical and modern. Using window light to illuminate his subjects, Halliday’s direct formal approach offers a fresh take on the historic art prototypes of still life and portraiture. The simplicity of his visual language produces images that transcend time. On view through April 8, 2012.
The Shape of Louisiana Commenting on the Shape of Louisiana
Jimmy Descant (a.k.a. “the Rocketman”) is an assemblage artist known primarily for his use of found objects to create retro-futuristic rocket ships inspired by the quality of earlier craftsmanship, Art Deco, science fiction and the spirit of exploration and optimism prevalent in mid-century America.
In The Shape of Louisiana Commenting on the Shape of Louisiana, Descant uses the shape of his native state as the foundation for a series of assemblages that speak to the cultural, political and natural environment of Louisiana in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the failure of the Federal levee system in New Orleans, and the BP Macondo well oil spill. On view through April 8, 2012.
On view through January 29, 2012
Ashton Ramsey (Prospect.2 New Orleans)
Ashton Ramsey is a New Orleans folk artist and historian who fashions his pieces from common, everyday materials, such as newspaper clippings and men’s clothing. Unique and wearable, his art describes events from contemporary and historical times, pays homage to the figures and life of African-American New Orleans and overall reflects the history of the city.
Five of Ramsey’s suits have been selected for display at the Ogden Museum of Art and will be presented together with sketches, photographs and documentation from his rich history.
Prospect.2 New Orleans is a contemporary art biennial featuring more than 26 local, national and international artists. For more information about Prospect.2, go to: www.prospectneworleans.org.
On view through February 26, 2012
Ersy: Architect of Dreams and Josephine Sacabo’s Óyeme Con Los Ojos
For over three decades, artists Josephine Sacabo and Ersy have shared inspirations and ideas through a friendship based on a mutual respect and joy in one another’s lives. In keeping with that spirit of friendship, inspiration and collaboration, the two exhibitions—Ersy: Architect of Dreams and Sacabo’s Óyeme Con Los Ojos—share space in the Ogden Museum’s galleries, allowing the viewer to see the dialogue between these unique bodies of work.
Education Exhibitions
Opening January 5, 2012
Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary Art Contest and Exhibition
Girl Scouts Louisiana East, in partnership with the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, is holding a 100th Anniversary Art Contest for Girl Scouts, ages 5 to 17. Artwork represents what it means to be a Girl Scout today and/or reflecting 100 years of Girl Scouting. On view through Feb. 5, 2012.
Opening January 12, 2012
Looking to Learn: Ursuline Academy
An exhibition showcasing the photography, painting, sculpture, and mixed media pieces created by students at area schools. “Looking to Learn” is an art education series curated by the Ogden, featuring throughout the year artwork by students in area schools. Previous schools have included the Louise S. McGehee School, Holy Cross School, NOCCA, and the Jefferson Parish Public School System Talented Visual Arts Program. On view through Feb. 5, 2012.