The exhibition lives up to its ‘bilateral’ promise with the interior and exterior spaces working together, thanks to the curation by Laura Roulet. Roulet not only brings together works spanning from different decades and collections but aimed to create a ‘striking dialogue in terms of material choice, form, purpose and aesthetic’, herself drawing comparisons between two works in the exhibition Head (circa 1960) by Rafael Ferrer and My Younger Than Jesus Award (2009) by Patrick McDonough.
The main exhibition sits comfortably inside the Spanish colonial style AMA. The traditional architecture adds a welcome contrast the contemporary sculpture. Split over two floors and divided into several galleries, the works spill over the stairwells, hang down corridors and sit proudly on the polished wooden floors. Engagement and humor are key themes throughout the show. Glow in the dark silk prints and sparkling drift wood hangs from the ceiling, the works come alive in their setting.
The WSG proves that after 25 years they are as strong as ever. If you are a budding sculptor or interested in learning more about the art then be sure to check the exhibition out, and who knows you could be showing at their 50th year exhibition!
‘Bilateral Engagement’ is on view at the Art Museum of the Americas (201 18th Street, NW) October 16th, 2009 – January 15, 2010. www.washingtonsculptors.org www.museum.oas.org
Opening night reception of 'Bilateral Engagement'
Dalya Luttwak (b. Israel) Yellow Weed, 2009 Painted steel
