Date: July 10, 2009
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director,
Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu
PNC Odyssey Series Features Artist George Sugarman
WESTVILLE – Purdue University North Central Odyssey Arts and Cultural Events Series presents an exhibit of acrylics and collages by noted artist George Sugarman, currently on display in the Library-Student-Faculty Building Assembly Hall, Room 02. The exhibit is shown free of charge and is open to the public but reservations are required.
This is a collection of 19 mostly untitled acrylics and collages by Sugarman that have not been previously seen at PNC. Many of these pieces have been hung at the Robert Miller Gallery, Inc. or the Washburn Gallery, both in New York City .
Today, PNC is the home of the definitive collection of George Sugarman works, receiving it in 2008 from the George Sugarman Foundation: his niece, Arden Sugarman and his long-time assistant, Peter Capurso.
This current exhibit includes pieces that Sugarman created from 1970 to 1992. Two small framed works on paper are visible as the viewer enters the main door. Their colors and those of other exhibited works connect visually from one to the next. Although many of Sugarman's styles are represented, there is cohesion within this new collection.
Included are two block buster pieces. A mostly white 96-inch by 72-inch acrylic has a few stencil-like swirls of blue on green strokes just on the right hand side, less busy than other works in his stencil series. This canvas, one of just three here, was obviously overpainted and perhaps purposely left unfinished and unsigned. The style, however, is unmistakably Sugarman.
Another huge canvas measuring 72-inches by 89-inches is more colorful and hangs alone on the back wall.
The piece, “Study for a Complex,” is thought to be a prelude to one of his sculptures. Next to it is hung “The Sun Divides,” both from 1974. These are the only two titled pieces in the show.
PNC is also home to four sculptors created by this renowned sculptor and artist. Two are in the LSF Library in the permanent collection and one in Schwarz Hall lobby.
The fourth, “Earth Bird,” circa 1975, is displayed with this new collection. Sugarman used just two shapes in the work, a stylized olive green ‘'bird'' and a barn-red ‘feather.'' Measuring 10-inches by 52-inches by 34-inches, he positioned the two forms in such a way that a bird-like creature seems to emerge from its resting place.
To arrange a tour of Sugarman's art or to obtain further information about the Sugarman Collection or the Odyssey Arts and Cultural Events Series, contact Judy Jacobi PNC assistant vice chancellor of Marketing and Community Relations, at 785-5593. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Jacobi.
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