Curators Talk about “In Company” Exhibit at Ucross

The new exhibit at the Ucross Art Gallery “In Company” is an ambitious project which brings together and exhibit of artwork by Ucross Visual Artist Fellows and one of the artists who have inspired them.

The exhibition gathered 14 artists in a constellation of influence, exchange and kinship. The Ucross Art Gallery team invited seven former artists-in-residence to showcase their work alongside an artist who has impacted their creative process.

The resulting exhibition weaves together literature, music and film among paintings, photographs, sculptures and installations. By highlighting relationships that inform artistic practice and making visible the subtle influences that link makers and their creative work, these artist pairings encourage viewers to consider how meaning is shaped both individually and collaboratively.

The exhibit was co-curated by Ucross Program Director and alumna Tawni Shuler, Gallery Associate Lacasa Michelena and Galley Advisor Brittney Denham-Whisonant.

On June 10, they talked to Sheridanmedia about the exhibit.

Michelena poses with Tip Toland’s three-dimensional art, ‘Three Sisters of Auld.’ Michelena chose Toland for the exhibit.

Michelena said that both the fellows and their selected artists are on display. Each fellow could select three artists, and then the curators choose an artist for the exhibit.

“It is really exciting to champion our fellows, but also look to who they are looking to, and a great way to introduce Ucross,” Michelena said.

Shuler poses with her choice, Tracy Linder’s artwork. The piece is title, ‘Cirri,’ made with bovine ribs.

Tawni Shuler added,

Shuler said, “Also imagine this happening on a 20,000-acre ranch in the middle of nowhere. I think there is a lot of magic happening here.”

Brittney Denham-Whisonant talked about the work that when into the exhibit.

“I think what this exhibit shows is that here in Wyoming we can have phenomenal artists and exhibitions of great artwork.”

Brittney Denham-Whisonant points out the finer points in Charley Friedman’s sculpture, deadpan. Friedman was chosen by Ucross fellow Katie Merz, who painted the Little Red Shed.

“The work is contemporary. The work highlights relationships, landscape and some of the most poignant moments of being human. Expect to be blown away by the size, the scale and the multiplicity,” Shuler said.

Artists featured include – Ucross Fellow Lars Jan and Richard Misrach; Ucross Fellow Tracy Linder and Deborah Butterfield; Ucross Fellow Katie Merz and Charlie Friedman; Ucross Fellow Nathalie Miebach and Steve Reisch; Ucross Fellow Kristen Schiele and Emily Noelle Lambert; Ucross Fellow Tip Toland and Richard Notkin; Ucross Fellow Sarah Williams and Matt Bollinger.

The exhibit will be open in the Big Red Art Gallery though December 18. It is free and the public is invited to come and view the diverse artwork on display.