Contemporary landscape exhibit opens Jan. 16

BOWLING GREEN, O. -- The work of six of the foremost contemporary landscape painters goes on display Jan. 16 in the Dorothy Uber Bryan Gallery of Bowling Green State University's Fine Arts Center.

The Contemporary Landscape features 31 paintings by Jacob Cooley, Nancy Friese, Keith Jacobshagen, Joan Nelson, Susan Shatter and Altoon Sultan. The artists explore distinct approaches to the question of why landscape continues to be a compelling subject, according to Jacqueline Nathan, director of the BGSU Fine Arts Center Galleries.

Each artist asserts the importance of the tradition of landscape painting even today, when technology and urbanism distract us from the natural world, says Dr. Linda Hults, a member of the art faculty at The College of Wooster and curator of the exhibition. Unfortunately, the ecological problems that currently threaten the globe do not permit distraction.

By visualizing, in various ways, the importance of the natural environment to human history, well-being and identity, contemporary landscape painting promotes an attitude of connection and care.

While the 31 paintings encompass six very different styles, what they have in common is an important theme presented at a crucial juncture in our history, adds Nathan.

The exhibit, which will continue through Feb. 9, is circulated by The College of Wooster Art Museum and comes to BGSU with the support of the Ohio Arts Council.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is free.

(Posted January 7, 2003)