What's Happening?
The Asheville Art Museum in Asheville, North Carolina, is currently hosting an exhibition titled 'The Art of Paper: Selections of Handmade Paper Works from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation.' This exhibition, curated by
Brett Littman with Susan Gosin and Cynthia Nourse Thompson, showcases 66 works by prominent artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. Featured artists include Helen Frankenthaler, James Rosenquist, Frank Stella, Jasper Johns, Mark Bradford, and Glenn Ligon, among others. The exhibition highlights how these artists have redefined handmade paper as a significant artistic medium, chronicling pioneering achievements in the discipline and exploring the historical relationship between print and paper. The exhibition is on view through November 29, 2026.
Why It's Important?
This exhibition at the Asheville Art Museum is important for several reasons. It elevates the medium of handmade paper, often overlooked in mainstream art discussions, by presenting it as a sophisticated and expressive artistic form. By featuring works from renowned artists, the exhibition validates the artistic merit and versatility of paper beyond its traditional role as a substrate for other art forms. For the U.S. art community, it provides a platform for scholarly discourse on the evolution of artistic materials and techniques. Furthermore, the exhibition offers the public a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse collection of contemporary and modern art, fostering appreciation for innovative artistic practices and the historical context of printmaking and paper art. It also highlights the significant contributions of collectors like Jordan D. Schnitzer in preserving and promoting such specialized art forms.
What's Next?
The 'The Art of Paper' exhibition will remain on view at the Asheville Art Museum through November 29, 2026. During this period, the museum will likely continue to host educational programs, guided tours, and possibly artist talks or workshops related to paper art and printmaking. These events would aim to deepen public understanding and engagement with the themes and techniques presented in the exhibition. Following its run in Asheville, the works from the Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation collection may travel to other institutions, further disseminating knowledge and appreciation for handmade paper art across the country. The exhibition's success could also inspire future curatorial efforts focused on specific artistic mediums or material innovations.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond its immediate artistic appeal, 'The Art of Paper' exhibition subtly addresses broader cultural and environmental themes. The focus on handmade paper implicitly highlights traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices, contrasting with mass-produced materials. It encourages viewers to consider the origins and processes behind artistic creation, fostering a deeper connection to the materials themselves. Ethically, the exhibition champions the work of artists who push boundaries, challenging conventional notions of what constitutes 'art.' Culturally, it contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the preservation of traditional crafts in a technologically advanced world, and the role of museums in showcasing diverse artistic expressions. This exhibition serves as a reminder of the enduring power and versatility of seemingly simple materials in the hands of skilled artists.
