Title Image: La More, Chet
100 works to portray Buffalo’s expansive, historical role in the arts
On View Friday, November 8, 2019–Sunday, March 1, 2020
The Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State is pleased to announce the opening of In the Fullness of Time: Painting in Buffalo 1832-1972. The exhibition brings together exceptional examples of painting from the first 140 years of the city of Buffalo’s incorporation. Featuring 100 works by 87 artists, Painting in Buffalo explores the art history of the region and why Western New York continues to be a region rich in art. The important works and painters whose ingenuity had lasting influence on the art and artists of the region are the subject of the exhibition.
“For new arrivals to Buffalo or visitors to our city the show will give you a true sense of local flavor for the architecture, people, natural wonders, scenes and places that make Buffalo such a unique place. And for locals, it’s a wonderful time machine—a chance to see your own city with fresh eyes as you traverse 140 years of the community you love,” said Burchfield Penney Executive Director Dennis Kois.
Painting in Buffalo was organized by Tullis Johnson, Scott Propeack and Albert Michaels with a committee of six advisors who helped identify and select work for this important, historic exhibition. The installation follows the history of our city, from Buffalo’s rise as a boomtown following the completion of the Erie Canal, to its post-industrial days through to the current resurgence.
“The work done in Western New York is of the same or better quality than the celebrated historical art of California, Chicago, Cleveland, Indianapolis or Pittsburgh.” said Johnson. “The great painters of this region are clearly among the most interesting and unique American artists of the last century and should be recognized as such in the fullness of time.”
From landscape, still life and portraiture to abstract expressionism, the exhibition includes works from public collections by Thomas Le Clear (1818-1882), Edwin Dickinson (1891-1978) and Allan D’Arcangelo (1930-1998).
Rarely seen works from private collections by artists such Martha Visser’t Hooft (1906-1994) and Virginia Cuthbert (1908-2001) will be included as well. “Women painters were often overlooked by art history,” said Johnson. “While we can’t undo the past, we can look toward building a richer history, celebrate the work of artists who were neglected or marginalized. Twenty women painters are showcased in the exhibition.”
Published in conjunction with the exhibition is a 238-page hard bound book which illustrates all works on view and biographies of featured artists. The accompanying essay was written by Johnson with Burchfield Penney chief curator Scott Propeack and SUNY Buffalo State professor Dr. Albert Michaels.
