By Anne Siems
A new, provocative exhibit in Beverly will showcase works by contemporary artists who draw inspiration from the past, and imbue their work with allegory and symbolism.
The exhibition, called “A Debt to Pleasure,” features five artists who are influenced by 17th century Dutch still lifes, Italian Renaissance master paintings and American folk art — laced with the sensual and the sinister.
By Erik Thor Sandberg
Seattle-based artist Anne Siems’ still lifes exhibit figures with rosy cheeks and haunted stares, while painter Erik Thor Sandberg, based in Washington D.C., portrays mainly female nudes engaging in mindless acts of folly that, more often than not, result in suffering.
The exhibit opens Friday at the Montserrat College of Art main gallery. There will be an artist reception on Thursday, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., in the gallery. It’s open to the public.
The other participating artists are Shelley Reed, who is based on Boston, and David Ording and Julie Heffernan, both based in New York.
By Anne Siems
The exhibit is curated by Gallery Director Leonie Bradbury.
“A Debt to Pleasure” runs through April 2 in the Monsterrat Gallery, 23 Essex St., Beverly.
The gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.
Reed will give a talk on Wednesday, March 9 at 11:30 a.m., and Sandberg will give a talk on Tuesday, April 12 at 11:30 a.m. in the Hardie Building, Room 201.
