‘Greenberg in Syracuse: Then and Now’ recognizes influence of SU alumnus on local artists

‘Greenberg in Syracuse: Then and Now’ recognizes influence of SU alumnus on local artistsApril 22, 2005Jaime Winne Alvarez jlwinne@syr.edu

“Greenberg In Syracuse: Then and Now,” a two-part exhibition recognizing the legacy of Syracuse University alumnus Clement Greenberg ’30, one of the most influential and prominent art critics of the 20th century, will open in May at ThINC Company Gallery. Sponsored by Syracuse University and The Gifford Foundation, it will feature the work of five Central New York-based painters Greenberg visited and encouraged over two decades. The five abstract expressionist painters include SU alumni Stephen Achimore ’75, Randall Scott Bennett ’74 and Mark Raush ’74, G’00; former Assistant Professor Darryl Hughto; and former SU student Susan Roth.

The exhibit will be accompanied by a full-color catalog with essays written by exhibit curator and noted art critic Karen Wilkin, SU professor emeritus of fine arts; art historian David Tatham; and project manager Suzanne Shane, associate director of SU’s Division of International Programs Abroad. The exhibit is also accompanied by a documentary DVD with excerpts of a previously unpublished Greenberg talk and interviews with the artists about his impact on their work.

“Greenberg In Syracuse: Then” opens May 5 and runs through May 26. It will showcase works produced by the artists during the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting their techniques and use of new forms of media such as acrylic pigments and gels. An opening night reception for “Then” will take place May 5 at 5 p.m.

The second part of the exhibit, “Greenberg In Syracuse: Now,” opens June 2 and runs through July 7. It will feature contemporary works by the same artists, exploring and extending the potential of the use of plastic media in their paintings. An opening night reception for “Now” will take place June 2 at 5 p.m.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. ThINC Company Gallery is located at One Lincoln Center, 110 West Fayette St., Syracuse. Gallery hours are Thursdays and Fridays, noon-6 p.m., and Saturdays, 1-8 p.m.

Recognized as the most influential and articulate champion of modernism during its American ascendancy, Greenberg (1909-1994) was among the first critics to support Jackson Pollock and advocate the primacy of American Abstract Expressionism as the flag bearer of modernism. As a critic and essayist for the Partisan Review, The Nation and The New Republic, among other publications, Greenberg shaped the intellectual and aesthetic dialogue for generations of artists and art historians. However, it was in his studio visits with artists that Greenberg most directly influenced the look of post-World War II American art and from which his collection ultimately grew. A passionate looker and responder, Greenberg relished the challenge of engaging in new and creative dialogue with artists in their studios.For more information, contact Shane at (315) 443-1925 or sshane@syr.edu .