NEWS

Master's candidates to show contemporary art at Ackland

By ANDY BERNER
Ackland Art Museum

CHAPEL HILL -- "The artworks included in 'New Currents in Contemporary Art' are visually and intellectually exciting -- reflecting the incredible talent, independent spirit and professionalism of each young artist," says Barbara Matilsky, curator of exhibitions at the Ackland Art Museum.

From April 16 through May 28, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill museum will present new work by nine emerging artists who will earn their master's of fine arts degrees from Carolina in May. The annual master of fine arts exhibition will include painting, sculpture, drawing, photography and installation.

An opening reception will be from 3-5 p.m. Sunday (April 16) and a gallery talk with the artists at 12:15 p.m. April 26. Both will be free and open to the public. Matilsky offered the following analyses of the artists' work:

The photographic and mixed media work of Becca Albee and Laena Wilder explores human identity. While Albee finds beauty inside the world of ice skaters and gymnasts, Wilder looks at group and individual dynamics within college sororities.

Carrie Alter explores the complex identity of adolescent girls through large-scale paintings, while the mixed media installations of Kate Anthony and Bill Thelen consider the multiple effects of feminine and masculine roles in our culture.

The works of sculptor Julie Dougherty and photographer Beth Nardella illustrate memories through cast metal and found objects -- and photographic images of lost hometowns. Susan D’Amato’s drawings weave the personal with the universal to find various interrelationships, while painter Mathias Sias seeks an overall simplicity through multiple layers of paint.

The Ackland is on South Columbia Street near Franklin Street. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays 1-5 p.m. For more information, call 919-406-9837 (recorded information), 919-966-5736 (museum office) or 919-962-0837 (TTY) or visit www.ackland.org.

- 30 -