The Pursuit of Abstraction VIP Preview Celebration at The Wolfsonian-FIU

Photography by Samuel Rivas on October 17th, 2016 in Culture

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Miami Beach, FL – October 13, 2016 – Members, press, and special guests received an advance glimpse at the wonder of The Pursuit of Abstraction, The Wolfsonian–FIU’s exhibition on modern-age spirituality. Guests explored the mystical works on view, enjoyed specialty cocktails by Bacardi, and met the curator behind the curtain, Matthew Abess. Focusing on works produced between 1900 and 1950, the exhibition takes a close look at North American and European artists that turned to abstract thought, feeling, and form as counterpoints to the concrete realities and alienation of modern life. As the world around them became increasingly secular and urbanized, these makers imagined new expressions of spiritual awareness that drew inspiration from a wide variety of sources: philosophy, mythology, psychology, poetry, and ideologies ranging from established religious doctrines (Christianity and Buddhism) to newer, lesser-known schools of thought (Theosophy and Anthroposophy). Despite this diversity, common threads are found in an emphasis on transformation, allusion to forces within and forces beyond, and the depiction of otherworldly figures. The Pursuit of Abstraction will be on view through April 16, 2017, and paired with an online content platform with images, essays, and other supplementary material. In addition to Kirchner, featured artists include Mabel Alvarez, Wenzel Hablik, Victor Karl Hammer, Gertrude Hermes, Agnes Pelton, Henry van de Velde, and Ida O’Keeffe, younger sister of Georgia O’Keeffe.

Shay Maraj

Tim Rodgers & Mathew Abess

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Mathew Abess, Tim Rodgers, John Fumagalli, & Jeri Wolfson

Jeri Woflson, Jay Waxenberg, & Shay Maraj

Jeri Wolfson

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John Fumagalli

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Mathew Abess

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Tim Rodgers

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