THE MYTH ISSUE
Robert Feintuch, “Fat Hercules,” 2011
F E A T U R E D A R T W O R K
ROBERT FEINTUCH
Fat Hercules
MAIN GALLERY: FEB 3 – JUL 15
In ancient Greek mythology, the hero Hercules was a man of superhuman strength and courage. He is often depicted in paintings and statues leaning on a club, strong yet weary after a great battle with the Namean lion. In Robert Feintuch’s Fat Hercules, the subject stands not-so tall, leaning on a crutch with a club behind his back—an allusion to the ancient myth, but also a statement about strength. Although by some, the subject may be viewed as disabled, to others Fat Hercules is a hero, dedicated to moving his body forward. He faces a challenge that we all relate to: the challenge of frail and mortal bodies. Because of this, he is, perhaps, stronger than the mythical Hercules himself. Feintuch’s Fat Hercules views the body in two different lights, ultimately adding strength and and humanity to his subject.
N O T E F R O M T H E E D I T O R
THE MYTH ISSUE
Storytelling is a form of survival; it is our source of communication, documentation, and expression. Since the dawn of human existence, we have told our stories visually, whether on cave walls, clay pottery, or through stitching and weaving practices. In our modern age, storytelling is still vital to human connection and history, and stories are still told visually. Myths, though ancient, do not die. Beliefs are conveyed through contemporary art. Social issues are reflected in images and photographs. Through art, we will have a collection of our own myths, thoughts, and practices for many future generations to ponder.
Share your thoughts: communications@utahmoca.org
MARY ROTHLISBERGER
From Nothing to Nothing Is No Time At All
A-I-R SPACE | FEB 3 – MAR 11
Mary Rothlisberger’s From Nothing to Nothing Is No Time At All decorates the A-I-R Space with spiritual objects made from human hands. Her work embodies the heart and essence of Mother Nature’s connection to humans through music, geology, handmade shelters, and more. This exhibit will leave you with a calm frame of mind, having transported you to other states, even if momentarily, and reminds you that the earth has a voice of its own.
ART TRUCK
SCHOOL YEAR 2016–17
What do the roadmaps of your childhood reveal about you? The neighborhoods you live and have lived in make up a large part of your identity. This year’s Art Truck artists, Jaime Salvador Castillo and Michael Anthony García, recognize the powerful relationship between home, identity and culture. Using interactive and collaborative maps, their traveling exhibit whereABOUTS tells stories about identity, location and community. UMOCA’s Art Truck will travel to schools throughout Utah, bringing the exhibition with it, and will allow students to creatively map their own unique and diverse stories. When we share our stories, together we grow. Sign up for an Art Truck visit in your community by emailing Madeline Savarese at madeline.savarese@utahmoca.org.
FAMILY ART SATURDAY
Stones that Speak
MAR 11 | 2 – 4 PM
Mary Rothlisberger believes that the earth tells its own narrative, and that even stones have their own unique voice. Rothlisberger spent years on the road investigating remote environments and rural communities in the U.S. Her artworks invite viewers to get to know the ground on which they stand by having conversations with the landscape. Listen to what the landscape around you has to say and tell its story by painting your very own stone! When you are finished, you will have a work of art that talks and rocks!
LOVE UTAH GIVE UTAH
MAR 1 – MAR 31
UMOCA is a leading voice for the spirit of innovation, experimentation, and dialogue surrounding the issues of our time. However, UMOCA would be artless without its heroes: our volunteers, members, and donors. Your donations support UMOCA’s free educational programs, the local artists in our Projects Gallery and A-I-R Space, and exhibitions that initiate conversations around national and international issues. During the entire month of March, any donation made through Razoo goes toward Love UT Give UT. Become one of our heroes: Donate today.
NIKI CHAN WYLIE
Only God Can Judge Me
PROJECTS GALLERY | JAN 27 – MAR 18
Homeless individuals are burdened with myths that often do not reflect who they really are. Stereotypes such as drug use and laziness prevail over the honest stories that each individual carries. Photographer Niki Chan Wylie wants to shatter those myths, recognizing that homeless youth are conquerors of hardship who strive to become the protagonists of their own narratives. Using photographs and words by Stephen Dark, Wylie forces us to challenge our perceptions of homeless youth and see them as they view themselves.
GARY JACOBSON
Some Thoughts
PROJECTS GALLERY | MAR 24 – MAY 6
The mythical creatures in Gary Jacobson’s Some Thoughts brings back memories of favorite classic fables and tales: “Jonah and the Whale,” “The Tortoise and the Hare,” and even the “Man in the Moon.” The subjects in his exhibition bring joy and youthful energy to the gallery—but they also leave you with a sense of foreboding: a hare with a trap around its leg; a camel about to fall off of a staircase. Jacobson leaves viewers wondering what will become of his creatures in the next chapter of their stories.
ART FITNESS
APR 1 | 1 – 3 @ THE SHINE RESIDENCE
Who needs art critics to explain contemporary art when you can be an Art Superhero? Your mind is stronger than you think. You have the ability to unlock the complexities found in contemporary art. You possess the power to unveil each artwork’s mysteries. Through our Art Fitness program, we will help you accomplish the feat of unleashing your art knowledge. If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge, sign up today! But hurry: Space is limited to 15 people. For further information or to register, please email Elly Baldwin at elly.baldwin@utahmoca.org.
Justin Chouinard, “These Ribbons Are Substratum,” SONY DSC
JUSTIN CHOUINARD
These Ribbons Are Substratum
A-I-R SPACE | MAR 17 – APR 22
Justin Chouinard introduces the ghosts of experience past in his exhibit These Ribbons Are Substratum. Manipulating film slides and loops by hand, Chouinard exposes the skin of the image and reveals the bones of cinema. Examine wrinkled sheets of memory and images that are reminiscent pieces of light that once might have taken the form of a body, a dinner table, or a vehicle. Hear the distorted sounds of frail images as they pass onto their next state, allowing works to evolve and degrade again.
COMMUNITY VIGNETTES
MARY ROTHLISBERGER
Museum-goer @intodeeseyes says of Rothlisberger’s exhibit: “Art should comfort the disturbed & disturb the comfortable,” a quote by Cesar A. Cruz.
RONA PONDICK
@alexxlenaaa snapped a lovely picture of Rona Pondick’s Mouse, currently on exhibit in the Main Gallery.
EXPLORING THE GALLERY
@bryan.arraysalon is looking stylish in the Ed Space after exploring UMOCA’s six galleries!
ANNA BETBEZE
UMOCA is excited to announce the next Doctorow Prize Winner, Anna Betbeze, whose work consists of dyed and painted ripped-up, wool rugs. Photo courtesy of Yale University.
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THANK YOU TO OUR LEAD SUPPORTERS
Salt Lake County Center for the Arts
Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks
The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation
The Kanter Family Foundation
Sam & Diane Stewart Foundation
Utah Division of Arts & Museums
National Endowment for the Arts
Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation
Steven Labrum & Jenney Wilder
Val Antczak & Barbara Polich
Zeke Dumke, IV & Analecia Dumke
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