Transcendence of the physical world, abstraction, subconscious synesthetic experiences, and reaching for a higher spiritual reality are concepts that all lie at the heart of two complimentary exhibitions newly opened at the Baker Museum at Artis-Naples.
The exhibition “Another World: The Transcendental Painting Group,” features works by a collective of artists founded in New Mexico in the late 1930s. Although the group only formally existed for a few short years, artist members created a legacy of work and ideas that continue to influence contemporary artists. The Transcendental Painting Group’s manifesto was “to carry painting beyond the appearance of the physical world, through new concepts of space, color, light and design to imaginative realms that are idealistic and spiritual.”
Another new exhibition, “Invisible Thread,” fast-forwards to highlight works from a new generation of contemporary artists who, similar to the Transcendental Painting Group, strive to approach spirituality, transcendence and the subconscious through abstraction and metaphorical representation. Works in this exhibition extend beyond just paintings to include a broad spectrum of mediums and techniques including performance, film, and sculpture.
We explore both exhibitions with the Baker Museum’s Director and Chief Curator Courtney McNeil.
