Museum hosts exhibition of New York artist's work

The University Museum is hosting a reception tonight in honor of the Amy Wilson exhibit, “The Space Between Us.”

An artist from New York, Wilson teaches art history and drawing classes at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

Wilson’s motifs behind her creativity are just as unique as the works of art themselves.

“In my drawings, I like to explore the tension that exists between my interior world and the exterior one,” she said.

“I incorporate personal stories and observations along with commentary about current events (both personal and ones that make it to the news). They depict a ‘chorus’ of young girls, all of whom I see as being an extension of myself and as representations of the many voices I have inside of me; as such I consider my work to be an ongoing exploration of self portraiture. These girls give voice to my thoughts and are often depicted in scenarios inspired by experiences from my life.”

Wilson’s work has been reviewed by publications such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, Art in America and The Village Voice.

Like these publications, the museum won’t be a stranger to Wilson’s many works of art.

“There will be more than 20 works in painting and drawing, handmade books and fabric that will be on exhibit,” William Andrews, director of the University Museum and Historic House, said.

Some of Wilson’s previous exhibits were hosted at Rutgers University, Hunterdon Art Museum in New Jersey, the Andy Warhol Museum in Pennsylvania and at the Pera Museum of Arts in Istanbul, Turkey.

“My work generally consists of small-scale watercolor drawings and books that have tiny, handwritten texts incorporated into them and that feature an ever-changing cast of talkative girls,” Wilson said.

Wilson received her bachelor of fine arts from the School of Visual Arts in 1995 and her master of fine arts from Yale University in 1997.

Andrews said he realizes the significance of the museum getting the opportunity to display Wilson’s works.

“As much as the museum showcases work from the Oxford area, Mississippi and the American South, we strive to connect to the broader contemporary culture as well through exhibits like this one, and it’s great to have an exhibit in the museum that you would otherwise have to go to New York to see,” he said. “Showcasing significant artists with a national reputation like Amy Wilson brings attention to the Oxford/University of Mississippi area and also draws visitors from a broad geographic area.”

The reception is from 5-7 p.m. and is sponsored by Lenora’s Restaurant.

In regard to the exhibit, the museum will also host a brown bag lecture on Wednesday, March 24 at noon.

The exhibit will be on display until June 12.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free and anyone is welcome to attend.