Inspired by Homer’s Odyssey, The Princeton Artists Alliance presents visual interpretations as contemporary works of art in a new exhibition at the Noyes Museum opening January 11 and continuing through April 13, 2008. Poseidon’s wrath, Penelope’s tears and Odysseus’ escape from the Cyclops are among the struggles and triumphs captured in this exhibition. Homer’s Odyssey is a collaboration with The Interdisciplinary Center for Hellenic Studies at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. The public can meet the artists at the Opening Reception on Friday, January 18 from 5 to 8 p.m.
In addition to the exhibition, The Interdisciplinary Center for Hellenic Studies at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey will offer two free lectures at the Noyes Museum. On February 1 professor Kate Ogden will present The Continuing Classical Influence in Western Art from noon to 1:00 p.m. and on March 23 professor Rob Nichols will discuss How Greek is Greco-Buddhist Art from noon to 1:00 p.m.
The Princeton Artists Alliance members read Homer’s Odyssey, translated by retired Princeton University literature professor Robert Fagles, and created art inspired by passages in the classic tale. Princeton artist Marie Sturken’s handmade paper piece entitled “Outwitting the One-Eyed Giant,” which portrays men hanging from the underbellies of rams, was created after the artist read Book 9: Lines 477-487, which talks about escaping from the giant Cyclops as he slept. The exhibition is full of symbolism and contemporary views of the great literary work. Homer’s Odyssey was first exhibited at the Bristol-Myers Squibb Gallery in Princeton in 1999 and has since traveled to the Newark Museum, the Foundation for Hellenic Culture in New York and the Art Gallery at the College of New Jersey.
Founded in 1989 by professional artists, the Princeton Artists Alliance is a non-profit organization that holds various educational events to enrich the community through visual art. The Princeton Artists Alliance holds workshops, exhibits, artist talks and open art studios. The artists work with a wide range of techniques, mediums and subject matter. Each member has an extensive list of both individual and group exhibitions shown regionally, nationally and internationally. More information on the Princeton Artists Alliance can be found at http://www.princetonartists.org/. The Princeton Artists Alliance Opens Exhibition Based on Homer’s Epic
