Witness: Themes of Social Justice in Contemporary Printmaking and Photography from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation
September 15 – December 20, 2018
Melvin Henderson-Rubio Gallery
Drawn from the vast collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, the exhibition explores issues of race, identity, and social justice in contemporary printmaking and photography from one of the legendary print collections in the United States. Organized by Portland, Oregon, art historian and scholar Elizabeth Bilyeu, the exhibition features over 80 prints by 40 artists, including Enrique Chagoya, Lalla Essaydi, Mildred Howard, Hung Liu, Nicola Lopez, Wendy Red Star, Roger Shimomura, Kara Walker, and Marie Watt, among many others.
Bilyeu says "Social justice is defined here by individual artists creatively bringing their own stories and passions to us through visual elements, collaborations in printmaking and photographic processes, and in their lives beyond their art. We hear their voices translated through images giving us ideas that engage thought, discussion, and action."
“The theme represented in this exhibition, social justice, is the most important discussion all of us in the country need to have with each other,” said Jordan D. Schnitzer.
Exhibition Book
The exhibition is accompanied by a full-color, hardcover book Witness: Themes of Social Justice in Contemporary Printmaking and Photography from the Collections of Jordan D.Schnitzer and His Family Foundation with an essay by Elizabeth Anne Bilyeu and an introduction by LeRonn Brooks.
2018
160 pp., 90 color illustrations
To order, call: 503-370-6855
Available in the Hallie Ford Museum of Art store starting September 29
$60
Exhibition Related Events
Tuesday Gallery Talks
Every Tuesday, September 18 - December 18, 12:30 p.m.
Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Join museum docents at the museum for a complimentary guided gallery talk that explores the exhibition.
Evening for Educators
September 25, 4:30-6 p.m.
Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Educators are invited to join Elizabeth Garrison, The Cameron Paulin Curator of Education at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, for a preview of the exhibition Witness: Themes of Social Justice in Contemporary Printmaking and Photography from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. The preview is designed to help teachers prepare students for a field trip to the exhibition, as well as broaden curriculum concepts for use in the classroom.
A Teacher Packet will be available starting Sept. 26, 2018
Registration: Advance registration for this free workshop is required by Sept. 24 by calling 503-370-6855.
Lecture
On the Importance of Using the Imagination in Bearing Witness to History and Civil Rights
LeRonn Brooks, Assistant Professor of African and African American Studies, Lehman College of the City University of New York
Saturday, September 29, 5-6 p.m.
Paulus Lecture Hall, Willamette University College of Law
Join art historian LeRonn Brooks as he explores the theme of civil rights and protest in fine art. How can contemporary art help us to better understand the ongoing struggle for civil rights, and how can specific works by socially conscious artists help us challenge and reinterpret dominant narratives about the past?
Members/VIP Opening Reception
Celebrating:
September 29, 2018, 6 - 8 p.m.
Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Members and museum invited guests only
Cost
Museum members and museum VIP invited guests: complimentary
New Members: are welcome to join at the event or online
Or by phone at 503-370-6855 or by email at museum-art@willamette.edu
Lecture with Artist Hung Liu
Thursday, November 1, 7:30 p.m.
Paulus Lecture Hall, Willamette University College of Law
Join Chinese-born American painter and printmaker Hung Liu as she discusses her art, life, and career. Born, raised, and educated in Maoist China before she immigrated to the United States in 1984, Liu’s artwork explores Chinese history and culture, gender, identity, and memory.
Lecture with Artist Alison Saar
Thursday, November 15, 7:30 p.m.
Paulus Lecture Hall, Willamette University College of Law
Join Los Angeles, California mixed media artist Alison Saar as she discusses her art, life, and career. With a keen interest in African, Caribbean and African American folk art, Saar’s artwork focuses on the African diaspora and black female identity.
This event is co-sponsored with the Art Department at Willamette University.
Financial Support
Financial support for the project was provided by funds from Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation and the Hallie Ford Exhibition Fund, and by general operating support grants from the City of Salem's Transient Occupancy Tax funds and the Oregon Arts Commission.
