SAN JOSE, California (March 7, 2013)—The San Jose Museum of Art will highlight contemporary works that feature scenes from classical Greek mythology this spring. Swans, Swine, and Sirens, on view April 18 – December 1, 2013, comprises 20 works on paper from SJMA’s permanent collection. The exhibition includes works by Jeanne Aurel-Schneider, Romare Bearden, Red Grooms, Erle Loran, Roberto Matta, Reuben Nakian, Fritz Scholder, and Hans Sieverding. Also included is the video game “Let’s Play! Ancient Greek Punishment!” by Pippin Barr, in which players futilely attempt to avoid the fates of Sisyphus, Tantalus, Prometheus, and the Danaids.
“Tales of monsters, heroes, and gods found in Greek mythology have captured imaginations for millennia,” said Rory Padeken, curatorial assistant. “With their universal themes of love and betrayal, pride and arrogance, perseverance and defeat, it’s no wonder that these stories continue to be relevant in popular culture today.”
Highlights of the exhibition include Circe into Swine (1979) by Romare Bearden, drawings from the series “Leda and the Swan” by Reuben Nakian, and prints from Roberto Matta’s portfolio “Hom’mere Il – l’Eautre,” the surrealist artist’s illustrations for Homer’s Oddysey. The watercolor Winged Victory of Samothrace (1976) by Red Grooms, a recent gift to the Museum from Barbara and Dixon Farley, will be on view to the public for the first time in this exhibition.
SAN JOSE MUSEUM OF ART
The San Jose Museum of Art celebrates new ideas, stimulates creativity, and inspires connection with every visit. Welcoming and thought-provoking, the Museum rejects stuffiness and delights visitors with its surprising and playful perspective on the art and artists of our time.
The San Jose Museum of Art is located at 110 South Market Street in downtown San Jose, California. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 PM to 5 PM and until 8 PM or later on the third Thursday of each month. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens, and free to members and children under 6. For more information, call 408-271-6840 or visit www.SanJoseMuseumofArt.org.
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Programs at the San Jose Museum of Art are made possible by generous operating support from the David and Lucille Packard Foundation, the Lipman Family Foundation, the Richard A. Karp Charitable Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation, the Koret Foundation, a Cultural Affairs grant from the City of San Jose, and, with support for exhibition development, Yvonne and Mike Nevens.