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Contemporary Photography and the Garden—
Deceits & Fantasies
Through September 16, 2007
A locus of humanity’s attempt to tame nature, gardens were a popular subject in photography of the late 19th century. In the early 20th century, however, gardens fell out of favor as artists began to embrace signs of modernity and urban life. Since the mid-1980s, the garden has recaptured the interest of artists, and a number have created rich bodies of photographic work that examine the garden’s diverse forms and metaphorical associations.
Contemporary Photography and the Garden—Deceits and Fantasies brings together the varied responses to the physical structure, atmosphere, and symbolism of the garden as represented in the work of 16 American and European artists. Their depictions of gardens range from tranquil havens to places of tension where exquisite beauty seems to coexist uneasily with inexorable forces of nature. Some of the artists exult in the lyrical beauty, sculptural forms, and luxuriant atmosphere of the garden. Others subvert the idea of the garden as a symbol of benign nature; their images play against the notion of a garden as an idyllic site for the pursuit of pleasure and provide a dark visual metaphor for the manipulation of nature.
This exhibition is organized by the American Federation of Arts.
The exhibition is made possible, in part, by a grant from the A.R. Brooks Trust. Additional support is provided by David L. Davies and John D. Weeden and the Founders Circle of the AFA.
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Marc Quinn
Italian Landscape (3), 2000
Permanent pigment on canvas
43 1/4 x 65 1/2 x 1 5/8 inches
Courtesy of Jay Jopling, London |
Linda Hackett
Allium giganteum, 1992
Chromogenic color print
14 5/8 x 18 1/4 inches
Courtesy the artist, New York |
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Lynn Geesaman
Hedge, Knightshayes Court, Devon, England, 1991
Gelatin silver print, 24 x 24 inches
Courtesy the artist and Yancey Richardson Gallery, New York |
Sally Apfelbaum
Air, 1989
Chromogenic dye print
40 x 30 inches
Courtesy the artist |
Members’ Garden Tea Party
Saturday, June 23 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | This event is free to Members!
Members, join us for a garden tea party on the North Terrace as we celebrate the opening of Contemporary Photography and the Garden—Deceits and Fanatasies. Make sure to wear your most spectacular garden party hat, as a prize will be given for the best one. Tea and light fare will be served. Reservation required. Please RSVP by calling 302-571-9590 or sending an e-mail to events@delart.org by Monday, June 18.
Please Note: This event will be held in lieu of the Members’ Preview Party, previously scheduled for Friday, June 22.
This event is presented by Borsello Landscaping.
Summer Solstice Family Day
Sunday, June 24 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Free to the public |
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Children and their families will enjoy celebrating the beginning of summer as the Musuem opens early on this fun-filled family day! In connection with Contemporary Photography and the Garden—Deceits and Fantasies, this day will include gallery tours, family T’ai Chi sessions in the Copeland Sculpture Garden, and creative art projects including basket weaving, blooming flowers, and pretty planters. Come join in the fun! Visitors of all ages will also enjoy participating in the “Studio Sampler” program, offered between noon and 2:00 p.m., by joining art instructors in the studios for demonstrations and hands-on projects. |
Photos by Leslie W. Kipp
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