Where you’d typically see the big, bold letters of “Greetings From…” or an endearing “Wish You Were Here,” there are stunning oil still lifes, surreal portraits or a textural collage made entirely of green circles. Postcards are the chosen medium in the Chandler Gallery’s latest exhibition, which asks artists to put forth some of their most daring work within the confines of 6×8 inches. With a range of perspectives and different styles of art, these postcards are nothing like ... view more »
Where you’d typically see the big, bold letters of “Greetings From…” or an endearing “Wish You Were Here,” there are stunning oil still lifes, surreal portraits or a textural collage made entirely of green circles. Postcards are the chosen medium in the Chandler Gallery’s latest exhibition, which asks artists to put forth some of their most daring work within the confines of 6×8 inches. With a range of perspectives and different styles of art, these postcards are nothing like what you see in a souvenir shop.
Artists submitted works as if they were sending postcards to abstract expressionist and neighborhood resident Maud Morgan (1903-1999). While some are as local as Cambridge, others came from as far as California and even France. The range in return addresses almost matches the wide spectrum of artistic style represented in these submissions.
For instance, some utilize more contemporary styles, like minimalism or collage, to fill their limited space. In one piece, Ian Prishwalko cleverly connects the historic Boston Tea Party to “Come spill the tea,” an expression that, today, translates as a request for good gossip. The digital collage is complete with a watermark of dripping tea in the background.
Other pieces take a more traditional approach, like Lucy Wilhelm, whose postcard evokes the post-impressionist styles of Van Gogh and Matisse. The simple image of a chair in between two tables, one with an assortment of plants and the other with two pitchers and fruit, is alive with a variety of vibrant color. The artist also uses different patterns, such as stripes and dots, to evoke texture and depth in the scene.
“Postcards to Maud” will be on display from August 14 through September 7, 2017 at the Chandler Gallery. The opening reception will be held on August 17, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The Chandler Gallery is a program under the umbrella of the Agassiz Baldwin Community, a private, non-profit organization that has provided quality programs and services in the Cambridge community for over 40 years. Agassiz Baldwin Community also manages Maud Morgan Arts, a full arts program of classes and workshops for all ages. Maud Morgan Arts works to reflect the diversity of talents of the community, bringing people together to make art, share art, and support visual arts education.
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