New exhibitions and events unveiled at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU

A picture of Edward Kienholz's 1970 The Non-War Memorial.
Edward Kienholz, The Non-War Memorial, 1970

Visitors to the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU can absorb themselves in three new, thought-provoking exhibitions and several engaging programs that celebrate art in its various forms from March 26 to June 29.

The first spring exhibition, Beyond Hope: Kienholz and the Inland Northwest, explores the artistic journey of renowned American artist Edward Kienholz and his wife, Nancy Reddin Kienholz. Born and raised in the Inland Northwest, Edward Kienholz’s politically confrontational and socially engaged artwork reflects the cultural tapestry of the region. This exhibition sheds light on the couple’s collaborative artwork during their time in the small town of Hope, Idaho, showcasing how their work transcended geographical boundaries to make a profound impact on American art history.

The museum is hosting a reception and gallery talk at 4 p.m. on April 12 with guest curator Johanna Gosse, exploring the exhibition Beyond Hope: Kienholz and the Inland Northwest in depth. Using key works from the exhibition, the gallery talk will further contextualize the notion of place as a generative context for the Kienholzes’ artistic practice.

Accompanying Beyond Hope is Subversive Intent: Selections from the Collection. This complementary exhibition brings together rarely seen works from the museum’s permanent collection, offering insights into the diverse expressions of social critique and commentary in art. From graphic masterpieces by historical figures like William Hogarth and Francisco Goya to contemporary works by artists such as Jenny Holzer and Roger Shimomura, this exhibition invites viewers to explore the nuanced layers of subversion in art.

An art exhibit featuring a small tank and a can of SPAM.
Reika Okuhara, Just Move Forward!!, 2023

Additionally, the museum is proud to present the annual Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition, showcasing the culmination of three or more years of work by graduate candidates Mozi Jones and Reika Okuhara. Showcasing the diverse art-making approaches of these emerging artists, this exhibition provides a glimpse into the future of contemporary art. On WSU Family Weekend, join the museum for artist talks and a reception featuring the MFA candidates on Friday, April 5, from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by a reception celebrating their work. On Saturday, April 6, from 2 to 3 p.m. Reika Okuhara will demonstrate resin casting and Mozi Jones will offer a short performance in relationship to the artworks in the exhibition.

“We are excited to present these thought-provoking exhibitions and events, which offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore art’s power to inspire, provoke, and unite,” said Ryan Hardesty, executive director of the museum. “From the radical expressions of the Kienholzes to the contemporary voices of emerging artists, there is something for everyone to discover and engage with this semester at the museum.”

All exhibitions and events will take place at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, located in the Crimson Cube on the WSU Pullman campus. The museum welcomes visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information about the exhibitions and events, please visit museum.wsu.edu or contact Debby Stinson at debby_stinson@wsu.edu.

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