Paired Influence: MFA Students Selections from the University Collection

Paired Influence: MFA Students Selections from the University Collection
Schneider Hall Galleries | University of Louisville
January 11-February 2, 2024
Reception: Thursday January 11, 2024 | 4-6pm

As a part of their research, artists look to and learn from other artists. In this exhibition, Hite graduate students selected prints from the University collection to pair with their own, revealing influences and interactions. In some instances, the lineage is evident – in others, the work which inspires an artist may seem diametrically opposed. Featuring original work from Hite MFA students, Annabela Cockrell, Eisey Eisenhardt, John Clay and John Day. Paired with work from the collection by Joseph Albers, Richard Anuszkiewicz, Mark Boyle, Blanch Grambs, Kathe Kollwitz, William Loy, and Barry Moser.

The University of Louisville Art Collection was formally initiated in 1937, when the Carnegie Corporation of New York at the request of Dr. Richard Krautheimer, then head of the University of Louisville Department of Fine Arts, presented 104 original prints to the department. Among these were etchings by Millet, Whistler, and Rouault, and the complete set of Goya’s Caprichos.

Other gifts have followed since, from private individuals as well as group entities. Intimately associated with the growth of the collection has been the name of Morris B. Belknap, Jr., who acquired original prints, drawings and some paintings for the collection and left a bequest, the income from which has been the chief source of funds for the purchase of original works of art. The collection now numbers more than 3000 pieces, counting prints, drawings, paintings and sculpture.

The collection has a twofold purpose: 1) to fulfill a pedagogical role in the University's art curriculum; and 2) to enrich the cultural resources of the University and, consequently, of the community. The University's substantial collection of original prints and drawings is accessible to Fine Arts graduate students for study and research.

Images: Left: Barry Moser, Wisdom, (detail), woodcut; Right: Eisey Eisenhardt, Untitled, woodcut