FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Emerging Trends in Northern California Contemporary Art Highlighted at the Crocker Art Museum

October 15, 2004 – Sacramento, Calif. – Highlighting the exciting breadth of new abstraction presently illuminating the Northern California art scene, the Crocker Art Museum will present the special exhibition Neo Mod: Recent Northern California Abstraction from November 20 to January 30. Many of the artists in the exhibition share an appreciation for mid-century design, its functional forms and textile patterns, often evoking a “mod” spirit in their work. In addition, the Neo Mod product unites tradition with innovation, producing cumulative results that are distinctly contemporary and uniquely Northern Californian.

Through various media, the works respond to ubiquitous influences in the cultural setting of Northern California – computer technology, consumer consumption and environmental abundance. Much of this work is large, brash and tends toward a cool, urban aesthetic with a design-oriented edge. Its high-keyed visual style and complex organization distinguish it from more familiar modes of abstract art. The sensuous surfaces, richly applied materials and dynamic colors present updated takes on centuries-old techniques, and in several instances, synthesize the newest in computer-generated design with venerated practices.

According to Assistant Curator Diana Daniels, “This exhibition resonates with the contemporary cultural environment. We see an emerging generation that is passionate about design and embraces imagery saturated with new technology.” The rapid increase in the power and ease of computer-based design tools has opened abstraction to new inquiries. While many artists have embraced digital media as the sole basis for their art, others are combining the new with the old, altering and transforming computer-generated imagery into forms and patterns that are painted or collaged entirely by hand. Some images allude to nature as much as to formal pattern. The work also responds to an environment in which consumption of technology and designed products has been voracious. This present materialization has much to say about global cultural exchange in the digital age.

The exhibition s urveys current work by more than 30 artists. Among those featured are Linda Meiko Allen, Rick Arnitz, John Belingheri, Jamie Brunson, Reed Danzinger, Lori del Mar, Richard Duning, Amy Ellingson, Abraham Elterman, Mark Emerson, Judith Foosaner, Stephen Giannetti, Doug Glovaski, Amanda Haas, Mike Henderson, Amy Kaufman, Lynn Klein, Brenda Louie, Aaron Petersen, Rex Ray, Jessica Snow, Nellie King Solomon , Peter Stegall, Kirsten Stolle, Ellen van Fleet, Darren Waterston, Stephanie Weber, David Wetzl, Griff Williams and Christopher Winfield.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

December 16, 7:30 PM
Speaking of the New Northern CA Abstractionists
See what contemporary Northern California artists have been producing in response to the voracious consumption of design, music and atmosphere during the 1990s. Bay Area gallery owner, Catherine Haley of Haley/Martin Galleries, will discuss the work in the exhibition Neo Mod: Recent Northern California Abstraction. In addition to her talk, Haley will facilitate a gallery discussion about the art, the artists’ intentions and viewer responses to the works the show.

December 9, 6:30 PM
An Artist and His Work
Artist Rex Ray will discuss his work in the Neo Mod exhibition, demonstrating techniques and materials, and engaging the audience in a discussion about his influences and inspirations.

December 16, Third Thursday Jazz Intermission
Spotlight Tour:
NeoMod: Recent Northern California Abstraction
View the highlights in this special exhibition featuring cutting-edge abstract painting being produced in the region today.

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The Crocker Art Museum was founded in 1885 and continues as the leading art institution for the California Capital Region and Central Valley. The Museum offers a diverse spectrum of special exhibitions, events and programs to augment its collections of Californian, European and Asian artworks. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday; Thursday until 9 p.m. For more information on exhibits and events call (916) 264-5423 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

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Media Contact: LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti
Media: (916) 264-1963
Mobile : (916) 213-9402
Public: (916) 264-5423
216 O Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.crockerartmuseum.org