University Park, Pa. -- "Drawings by Kurt Seligmann" will be exhibited Tuesday, Sept. 28, through Sunday, Jan. 30, on the second floor of the Palmer Museum of Art, University Park. For photos of the exhibit, go to http://live.psu.edu/still_life/2004_09_13_surrealism/index.html
The special exhibition of drawings, prints, pastels, and watercolors by the surrealist artist features 25 drawings attributed to the artist over the full span of his career. Each drawing reflects automatism, allowing the artist's subconscious to determine the imagery in each drawing.
Surrealism, in all art forms, deals with the subconscious, dreams, and the inner psyche. Through his drawings, Seligmann delves into these complexities of surrealism but in the approachable and accessible space of an artist's drawing. As he believed, drawings allowed more intimacy between artist and viewer, providing a unique glimpse into the artist's inner perceptions and vision.
In his work, Seligmann sought not only to capture the intricacy of the subconscious mind but also to create a graceful environment for dance. George Balanchine chose Seligmann as the set and costume designer of his ballet "The Four Temperaments," thus making Seligmann central not only in bringing European modernism to the American art world but also into other spheres of the fine arts.
The Palmer Museum of Art is located on Curtin Road near the University Creamery. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.