Contemporary Printmaking Exhibition to Open on February 1

Beth Van Hoesen (American, 1926-2010), Marvin C., 1979, aquatint and drypoint with roulette, printers inks on paper, Artist’s Proof, 10-1/4 x 10-7/8 inches, gift of the E. Mark Adams and Beth Van Hoesen Adams Trust, University of Wyoming Art Museum Collection, 2012.3.12

In addition to the exhibition of Old Master prints, the Art Museum will be opening a contemporary printmaking exhibition on February 1, Beth Van Hoesen: Perfecting Printmaking.  The UW Art Museum received a generous gift of 31 prints and drawings from the E. Mark Adams and Beth Van Hoesen Adams Trust and selections from this gift are on view as a highlight of this important acquisition of 2012.  

Beth Van Hoesen (American, 1926-2010) spent her life striving to create perfect images – set apart from time and space, unrestricted by context, and distilled to essential fundamentals.  By focusing purely on the subject, such as with her animal depictions, Van Hoesen places her subject in isolation, stripping them of any outside context.  The viewer is forced to look at the subject, only the subject, and it becomes obvious that they have been carefully observed and rendered technically correct.  Her images are born from an almost scientific devotion to line, emphasizing an importance of craftsmanship and technique in the creation of her artwork.  This perfection in her prints comes from many preparatory drawings and early state proofs.  

This exhibition is one of seven opening on February 1 at the opening reception from 6 to 8 pm.  Beth Van Hoesen: Perfecting Printmaking will be on view through March 30, 2013.