Mary Claire Becker's print “Mosaic Virus IV” combines digital technology and traditional printmaking techniques to interrupt and alter a Dutch Golden Age still life painting by Anna Ruysch, "Still Life of Flowers in a Glass Vase on a Stone Table Ledge," ca. 1690s. Lux Center for the Arts and Constellation Studios have announced the acquisition of “Mosaic Virus IV,” a print by artist Mary Claire Becker, for the Sheldon Museum of Art collection.
The print was selected from among 73 others showcased in the third biennial international juried exhibition “Surface Impressions” hosted by Lux Center for the Arts and Constellation Studios. "Sheldon has re-energized its commitment to actively participating in the Lincoln community,” said Susan Longhenry, director of Sheldon. “One of the best ways to achieve that is through synergy with other organizations elevating the arts in our collective home.
We're proud to join this highly successful collaboration and look forward to adding Mary Claire Becker's work to the museum's renowned collection of modern and contemporary art." The print “Mosaic Virus IV” combines digital technology and traditional printmaking techniques to interrupt and alter a Dutch Golden Age still life painting by Anna Ruysch, "Still Life of Flowers in a Glass Vase on a Stone Table Ledge, ca. 1690s.
” The distortion in the print is an echo of the mosaic virus’s degradation of its host, serving as a reflection upon the persistent appeal of bucolic nature imagery amidst the 21st century shift to digital media, and in the context of climate change. "It is an important recognition for artist Mary Claire Becker and her print to become an asset for the collection at the Sheldon Art Museum,” said Karen Kunc, part of the local printmaking community and director of Constellation Studios. “I heard Mary Claire speak recently about her work at a conference and was impressed with the depth of her research and the blending of her ideas on nature in our changing world.
This print is an ideal example of this viewpoint as a challenging and beautiful print." Christian Wurst, associate curator of exhibitions at the Sheldon Museum of Art, added, "Mary Claire Becker mixes traditional relief printmaking and modern technology to reinvigorate and recontextualize the still life genre. Her print will fit seamlessly into our collection and spark new dialogues around art and AI, climate change and history.
" Joe Shaw, executive director of the Lux Center for the Arts, noted the exhibition's growing prestige. "The ‘Surface Impressions’ exhibition grows in stature every two years, with superb prints from around the world and amazing jurors. We thank Sheldon Museum of Art for believing in this show and in printmaking.
" Reflecting on her accomplishment, Becker expressed her gratitude. "I am so honored to have a print included in the Sheldon Museum of Art’s collection. The Sheldon is a venerable institution with beautiful galleries, and I’m especially excited by their public-facing, educational mission.
I’m grateful to the Lux Art Center and Constellation Studios for hosting the exhibition that led to this acquisition by the Sheldon." Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!.
