After the Fall is one of the first major surveys devoted to the exciting art being produced by a new generation of artists from Eastern Europe’s former communist countries. Most of the artists represented are in their thirties, and several are quickly becoming widely known after being featured in international biennials, art fairs, and museum exhibitions. Most were born under Communist rule but their art training occurred following the fall of Communism. Despite being involved in the global art world, these artists are devoted to living and maintaining studios in their home towns. Their work offers a variety of inside perspectives on Eastern Europe’s complex cultural legacy.
The idea was formulated by Marc and Livia Straus, internationally recognized collectors and curators, and founders of the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art in Peekskill, New York, where the exhibition premiered. The couple’s visit to hundreds of studios across Eastern Europe confirmed their belief that the region contained a wealth of important new work being created by young artists. Rather than present a massive survey exhibition, the Strauses instead elected to offer audiences a show of greater depth by selecting roughly 40 works—mostly large-scale paintings—by only 18 of the most promising artists. The KMA will present a slightly smaller version of After the Fall, and is only the second venue to host this groundbreaking exhibition.
Opening reception Friday, November 4 from 6 to 8pm, in conjunction with Alive After Five. Free and open to the public.
Editor’s note: Electronic image is attached. Caption for image is as follows: Zsolt Bodoni (born Elesd, Romania, 1975), Tito’s Cadillac, 2010, oil and acrylic on canvas, 82.7 x 76.8 inches, courtesy of Ana Cristea Gallery, New York, and private collection, Armonk, New York
After the Fall is organized by the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art in partnership with the KMA. Catalogue sponsor is the Romanian Cultural Institute, New York. KMA sponsors include the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. KMA media sponsors include AT&T Real Yellow Pages, Digital Media Graphix, Kurt Zinser Design, and WBIR.
The Knoxville Museum of Art
The Knoxville Museum of Art celebrates the art and artists of East Tennessee, presents new art and new ideas, serves and educates diverse audiences, and enhances Knoxville’s quality of life. The museum is located in downtown Knoxville at 1050 World’s Fair Park and is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 10am–5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Admission and parking are free. For more information, contact Angela Thomas at 865.934.2034 or visit www.knoxart.org.