An exhibit at the American Jewish Museum at the JCC
October 20, 2015-February 19, 2016
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 24, 6-9 pm
Jane Haskell: Drawing in Light surveys the career of artist and philanthropist Jane Haskell (1923-2013), who made Pittsburgh her home for nearly 50 years. Curated by Vicky A. Clark and Melissa Hiller, the exhibition includes 30 sculptures, paintings and drawings.
Haskell mined the physical, experiential and phenomenal qualities of light by making neon and fluorescent sculptures and installations, yet she also retained an affinity for painting throughout her career. Drawing upon her approach to co-mingling physical light with painting, the project’s title references a series of installations she completed in 1998 entitled Drawings in Light. It was her mentor Samuel Rosenberg, Pittsburgh’s inveterate painter of light and one of Andy Warhol’s college professors, who first prompted her exploration of the qualities of painting and light. Haskell lived by the mantra without light there is no life.
A richly illustrated publications accompanies the exhibition. Hiller and Clark’s essay covers substantial ground about Haskell’s sensibilities and influences and her position within 20th century art and artists.
Drawing in Light is made possible by The Fine Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, Irving and Aaronel deRoy Gruber Foundation, Jack Buncher Foundation, Michael and Sherle Berger Foundation, Netzer Foundation, The Pittsburgh Foundation, Speyer Family Foundation, and individual support.
