The James A. Michener Art Museum is presenting the exhibition Alan Goldstein: Elemental, featuring 24 works spanning four decades by Bucks County artist Alan Goldstein, on view April 15-Sept. 24.
In his extensive body of work, Goldstein explores nature, human identity and cycles of growth and decay in his large abstract paintings, drawings and sculpture. The human figure is of central importance to the artist, who probes aspects of the human psyche and anatomy, and presents the landscape as an extension of the self.
Other abstract works by Goldstein were conceived in response to world events, climate change and his personal battle with cancer. The attack on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, in particular, had a profound effect on the artist and he painted monumental works in response, several of which are on view in the exhibition. These works are haunted by a ghostly presence with the hope to elicit a “visceral reaction” from the viewer.
“Goldstein’s work invites us to find beauty and emotional power in unexpected places,” said Laura Turner Igoe, Michener’s chief curator. “We are excited to share his work with a wider public.”
Goldstein was raised in the Bronx in New York City and developed an interest in art at a young age. He attended the High School of Music and Art (now Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School) in New York, then studied architectural design at the Carnegie Institute of Technology. He shifted to sculpture and painting and transferred to the Philadelphia College of Art (now University of the Arts). Goldstein received an MFA from the Pratt Institute in 1970. His work is represented in over 70 private collections in the U.S. and abroad. A Bucks County resident since the 1970s, he taught painting and drawing at Bucks County Community College for over three decades. He became Professor Emeritus in 2003.
Programs include the following:
– Gallery Talk: Alan Goldstein on Friday, April 28, at 2 p.m. Enjoy a discussion with the artist and Igoe as they dive into his work featured in the exhibition.
– Studio Tour: Alan Goldstein on Wednesday, June 7, at 2 p.m. Join the Michener for a private studio tour with the artist.
Visit michenerartmuseum.org/mam_exhibitions/alan-goldstein-elemental/ for more information. Alan Goldstein: Elemental has been generously supported by the Michener Art Museum’s 35th Anniversary Initiative.
