Re-Collections

April 23 – May 3, 2024
Paul Scott Library Gallery
Curated by Josue Bessiake

Opening Reception on April 24 at 3pm

 

The works presented in Re-Collections have been selected from the Montserrat College of Art Teaching Archive, an archival body affiliated with the college that spans from the distant to the recent past. The Teaching Collection consists of diverse media acquired throughout Montserrat’s history–from paintings by former faculty and alumni to vintage adverts from the early days of Montserrat. The works selected here include such disparate works as an incomplete suite of Matisse lithographs, acquired from an unrecorded source, student prints by current faculty members Len Thomas-Vickory and Stacy Thomas-Vickory, to a printed poem by James Merrill.

The selected works from the archive illustrate how the meaning and significance of an artwork can change or evolve over time. Because of the ephemeral nature of the archive, the intent of specific objects that have entered the collection is not always clear or perhaps even lost. Therefore, the works shown here explore the spontaneous nature of the archive. In other words, the exhibition shows the randomness and range of artifacts in the collection. Such as the “Poem for Vassili and Mimi” by James Merril, a story that reminisces on a fond memory of having fun on a summer night. An incomplete suite of lithographs by Henri Matisse, entitled Rondeau, is a poem recalling a dream of a woman whose beauty is so great it warrants praise. Despite coming from vastly different origins the works come together to appear cohesive.

Re-Collections is a record of history and memory.  The works represented are part of the chronicle of Montserrat College of Art consisting of former students, faculty, and staff as well as artists who have contributed their time and art to the college.