In the Spotlight - Surface Tension: Displacement, Archaeology, and Artistry of Urban Water

When: January 21–April 9, 2023
Where: Spotlight Gallery

black and white wood engraving of a spillway
Arnold Wiltz (American, 1889–1937), Spillway, 1936, wood engraving in black ink on cream laid paper, Gift of Susan and Steven Hirsch, class of 1971, 2001.37.5

This rotation of the Loeb’s In the Spotlight will feature a small selection of prints, drawings, paintings, and photographs depicting water in New York State, ranging from Sanford Robinson Gifford’s sketchbook (1847), to Charles Sheeler’s painting on glass, Steel, Croton (1953), to William Castellana’s contemporary photograph Girl and Fire Hydrant (2014). In conjunction with MODfest and the Consortium on Forced Migration, Displacement and Education, this focused exhibition will delve into the archaeology of these waterways, and stories of displacement that have resulted from the creation of the Hudson Valley reservoirs that support New York City’s water supply. The exhibition was organized by the Loeb and April Beisaw, Professor of Anthropology.

Support for In the Spotlight is provided by Mary Ellen Weisl Rudolph ’61, P ’98 and James N. Rudolph P ’98.

Vassar College

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Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
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