SYRACUSE, NY.- The Everson Museum of Art presents the work of sculptor Nancy Jurs in an exhibition titled 50/50: Nancy Jurs, February 7 – May 3, 2009. This exhibition will utilize the Everson’s landmark I.M. Pei building by displaying Jurs’ work in four main gallery spaces.
“Nancy Jurs has built an impressive body of work during her 40 year career,” said Debora Ryan, Everson Museum of Art Senior Curator. “We are excited to bring such a dynamic exhibition of sculpture to Syracuse.”
Nancy Jurs juxtaposes her signature large-scale, hand-built ceramic sculptures with recent site-specific installations composed of ceramic, mixed-media and found objects. Jurs, a Rochester-based sculptor and ceramic artist, has produced an astounding body of work that largely addresses female power and strength. In 2003, Jurs completed the Armor Series, a grouping of six life-size armored torsos that present themselves with empowered determination. The stylized shells not only serve to protect the figures but to symbolize renewed confidence and strength in a post-9/11 world. Undaunted (2003), which is part of the Armor Series, was acquired by the Everson Museum of Art in 2004.
Also on view will be Triad, a monumental ceramic sculpture originally commissioned by the Greater Rochester International Airport in 1995. The 16-foot high sculpture is composed of ceramic slabs that have been hand-built: cut, scraped, modeled, and stacked in three interacting totem-like structures. Triad will be prominently displayed in the Rosamond Gifford Sculpture Court.
In her recent work, Jurs embraces what she refers to as détournement, reincorporating past work and found objects into current installations thereby evoking new meaning. Jurs has created an 18-foot wall installation using lint systematically retrieved from her clothing dryer over the past 40 years. The colorful lint pads, in both circular and rectangular forms, are sewn on to vertical mesh strips, proclaiming her artist statement in Morse Code: “My life has gotten so busy, it now takes up all of my time.”
Nancy Jurs received her undergraduate degree in ceramics from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1963. She has been a sculptor and ceramist for more than 40 years. She currently lives and works in Scottsville, New York.
An Opening Night Lecture and Reception will be held February 6, 2009 beginning at 5:30pm. The Lecture and Recpetion is free for Everson Members, $10 for Non-members. Dr. Susan Isaacs, curator of 50/50: Nancy Jurs, will discuss the artist’s interest in narrative and meaning in her work. Isaacs will bring attention to the positive and straightforward messages found in Jurs’ art, which can also be humorous while addressing serious subjects. From 6.00 – 8.00pm, enjoy the exhibitions over light hors d’oeuvres catered by Alto Cinco, live entertainment and a cash bar.
50/50: Nancy Jurs is guest curated by Dr. Susan Isaacs and organized for the Everson Museum of Art by Debora Ryan.
