Post-Holocaust works by celebrated second-generation Jewish artists Arie Galles and Karen Baldner will be on display at the NAU Art Museum from March 11 through April 26.
“Wounded Landscapes: Post-Holocaust Drawings, Artists’ Books and Paintings” raises conversation around the work of two artists who, independent of each other, have created a body of work that addresses the impact of the Holocaust through their personal approaches.
The artists have not met in person, but both Baldner and Galles wrestle with their own stories and perspectives, as seen in a number of drawings and print pieces which are both evocative and provocative. While they have both been aware of each other’s work, it is the first time that it has been shown together.
“Juxtaposing their drawings, prints and art books reveals the creative tension contained in and exuding from their respective works,” said Bjorn Krondorfer, director of the Martin-Springer Institute and endowed professor of religious studies at NAU. “The proposed exhibit promises to be a unique encounter between two mature and recognized artists.”
Galles was born in 1944 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (former USSR), and lived in Poland and Israel before coming to the United States. He was director of the Creative Arts Program at Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, Calif., where he is professor of art. Baldner grew up in West Germany in a Jewish family. She teaches book arts and drawing at Herron School of Art and Design at Indiana University in Indianapolis.
The exhibit is co-sponsored by the Martin-Springer Institute and the NAU Art Museum.
A reception for the artists will take place from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at the NAU Art Museum. Museum hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The museum is located in Old Main (bldg. 10). Admission is free and open to the public with a suggested $2 per person donation.
Before 4:30 p.m., parking is available in the designated stalls in P4 and anywhere in P3 with a free guest parking pass available from the museum staff. Evening or day parking permits can be purchased online at nau.edu/parking.