04/05/10

Story by Peggy Graham

Worldscapes - Mary Wessel Exhibition Opens at Nerman Museum (May 7-July 11)

Mary Wessel, Untitled (from Worldscapes series), 2008-2010, archival pigment prints on fine art fiber-based archival paper, courtesy of the artist

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Worldscapes - Mary Wessel opens from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 7, in the Barton P. and Mary D. Cohen Gallery on the second floor of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art at Johnson County Community College. A lecture by the artist will begin at 7 p.m. in the Hudson Auditorium on the second floor of the museum. The exhibition will be on view through July 11. The opening reception and lecture are free and open to the public.

For her solo exhibition, experimental photographer Mary Wessel has created large-scale color works of abstract drawings using a camera-less process known as the photogram. Working directly on photographic paper, Wessel employs an ever-changing series of darkroom processes, chemical solutions and household items to create images that are enigmatic and deeply mysterious. Energy reverberates throughout as skeins of color gather and cascade across the picture plane. Light appears to glow from within. As one views the work, there is a sense of the unnamed making itself present.  The experience is felt as much as perceived.

Mary Wessel, Untitled (from Worldscapes series), 2008-2010, archival pigment prints on fine art fiber-based archival paper, courtesy of the artist

The twin elements of spontaneity and chance are used to explore themes of time, transformation and materiality. Nothing is stable. Deeply saturated forms are seen suspended, frozen momentarily in time. The work taps into a sense of wonder but also a sense of unceasing turmoil. Unmoored from representation, Worldscapes' abstract language and wide-ranging references (from the cellular to the cosmic) offer viewers room to interpret and engage with the images. An element of surprise permeates the work.

 "Wessel's work blurs the boundary between photography and painting.  She, along with other contemporary photographers, looks outside her medium to extend the dialogue on abstract photography," said Bruce Hartman, executive director, Nerman Museum.

 Wessel's work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States and can be found in public collections at the Nerman Museum, American Century Investments and Sprint Corporation, as well as private collections.

Her work has received numerous awards and honors including the Charlotte Street Foundation Award, an Avenue of the Arts Award and an ArtsKC Inspiration Grant. She has taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Kansas City Art Institute, and is currently an adjunct associate professor of photography at JCCC.

Mary Wessel, Untitled (from Worldscapes series), 2008-2010, archival pigment prints on fine art fiber-based archival paper, courtesy of the artist

Wessel received her bachelor's degree in philosophy and sociology from Rutgers University, Douglass College, a master's degree in sociology from the University of Pittsburgh and her master of fine arts degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Nerman Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The museum is closed Monday and all JCCC holidays.

For more information, call 913-469-3000 or visit www.nermanmuseum.org.

Admission and parking are free. 

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