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from the issue of January 11, 2007
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Sheldon exhibition traces couple
Mythical 'Architect's Brother' realm opens Jan. 16
BY TOM WHITE, SHELDON MEMORIAL ART GALLERY
Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison's "The Architect's Brother" opens Jan. 16 at Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery.
| | PLANTING TIME - In this image of "The Sower," Robert ParkeHarrison attempts to seed a field with the aid of a flying machine. The image, a 28 inch by 30 inch photogravure made by Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison, is included in "The Architect's Brother" exhibition. Courtesy photo.
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The exhibition features 42 large-scale, mixed-media images creating a mythical world that mirrors ours, where nature is domesticated and controlled. The show will be on view through April 1.
The exhibition considers the state, and possible fate, of the Earth. The ParkeHarrisons came of age in a United States newly altered by environmental awareness, which encouraged personal and cultural commentary by artists.
They conjure a destiny in which humankind's overuse of the land has led to environments spent and abandoned with the exception of one indefatigable spirit, portrayed by Robert ParkeHarrison. The protagonist takes up ironic and often futile tasks of preservation or renewal amid landscapes spent and abandoned either because of war or industrial intrusion.
Placing himself within the images, ParkeHarrison attempts to patch holes in the sky, construct rain machines, and chase storms to create electricity. The photographs - each of which took about five weeks to create - started with notes and a drawing and library research. The ParkeHarrisons built sets and props to carefully stage each image.
The Sheldon will host a number of programs, all open to the public, in conjunction with the exhibition. Those programs include:
• An opening reception and tour at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 16;
• A Second Sunday gallery walk, 2 p.m. Feb. 11 with teacher and photographer Larry Gawel discussing the ParkeHarrisons' photographic techniques;
• A lecture by the artists, Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison, followed by a First Friday reception, 5-7 p.m. March 2;
• A panel discussion at 5:30 p.m. March 20. Led by Susan Seacrest, president of the Nebraska Groundwater Foundation, the panel will explore aesthetic and environmental aspects of the exhibition. Participants will include: Dana Fritz, a photographer on the UNL faculty; Gawel; and Mace Hack, executive director of the Nebraska Nature Conservancy. This event is sponsored by the Nebraska Humanities Council.
The exhibit was organized by the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film in Rochester, N.Y., under the direction of Therese Mulligan, curator of photography.
The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information go online to www.sheldon.unl.edu or call 472-2461.
First Friday Reception
Featuring "The Architect's Brother" artists Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison
5-7 p.m., March 2
Find out more online at www.sheldon.unl.edu.
GO TO: ISSUE OF JANUARY 11
ARTS HEADLINES FOR JANUARY 11
Mythical 'Architect's Brother' realm opens Jan. 16
'Alterations' exhibition shows at Richards Hall
American Life in Poetry
'Nebraska Concerts' feature Lincoln performances
Prof, students aid Museum of the Odd opening
Ross, NET Radio offer Met opera in Lincoln
Sheldon to develop Blakelock exhibit
'Sweet Land' director offers Jan. 13 movie talk
732687S36601X
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