NEW BEDFORD — The New Bedford Art Museum has unveiled two groundbreaking new exhibits: “Provincetown Prints: White-Line Woodcuts from the Collection of Edward Yasuna” and “Radical Reinvention: Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture,” which will run through May 25.
“Provincetown Prints” marks the first public display of Yasuna’s collection, offering a rare opportunity to explore a unique American printmaking technique. “Radical Reinvention” showcases the transformative power of ceramics in contemporary art, featuring works by artists who have expanded the boundaries of the medium.
What are white-line woodcuts?
The white-line woodcut is a form of relief printmaking that emerged on Cape Cod in the early 20th century. This technique, influenced by traditional Japanese woodblock printing, was developed by artists including Blanche Lazzell, a founding member of the Provincetown Printers.
It involves carving a single block of wood and applying color in layers, resulting in vivid, multi-colored prints.
What to expect at the exhibition
The exhibition features early examples of white-line woodcuts, notably by Blanche Lazzell, and extends to works by contemporary practitioners like local artist Peter Michael Martin.
“The collection is as a testament to the technique’s enduring legacy. The exhibition highlights both the historical and ongoing significance of this uniquely American innovation,” said Suzanne de Vegh, executive director of the New Bedford Art Museum.
Visitors will see how American artists drew inspiration from Japanese methods to create something distinctively new, providing insight into the technical processes and continuing influence of the white-line technique.
An exhibition that is also breaking boundaries with ceramics
This dynamic exhibition elevates ceramics from functional objects to high art. It incorporates diverse cultural influences and cutting-edge techniques, blending ancient traditions with modern sensibilities. Ceramics take center stage as a tool for expressive, thought-provoking creations.
Visitors will see how artists use clay, glaze, and form to delve into themes like identity, culture, and the natural world. The exhibition highlights ceramics’ ability to transcend function, embracing expressive and conceptual power.
The exhibition includes works inspired by ceramic practices from around the globe, incorporating elements from Ancient Egypt, Greece, Portugal, and Southeast Asia.
Featured artists include Deb Coolidge, Chris Gustin, Zemer Peled, Don Reitz, Ibrahim Said, Dana Sherwood, Nancy Train-Smith, Rigoberto Torres, Peter Voulkos and Betty Woodman.
From Zemer Peled’s textured, abstract sculptures to Peter Voulkos’ pioneering pieces, the exhibition showcases a wide range of styles and influences. Works engage with cultural heritage such as Ibrahim Said’s African-inspired ceramics and Don Reitz’s nod to ancient civilizations.
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter:@ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
