Virtual Opening: 2021 Rutsch Award Winner Matthew Cole Solo Exhibition
May 20, 2021
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Join us for a virtual opening reception for the solo exhibition of works by Matthew Cole, 2021 Alexander Rutsch Award Winner. This event includes a live gallery tour of the exhibition–including a selection of works by Alexander Rutsch–and an open Q&A with the artist.
ZOOM LINK
Matthew Cole, Bedford Stuyvesant, 2019. Acrylic on canvas. 44h x 39w in
Cole employs traditional painting and preliminary printmaking methods to interpret memories of actual and subconscious events – amalgamations of real life and fantasy, often stemming from profound personal experiences. The processes of layering and distorting are instrumental in conveying emotion in his work. The artist uses composite imagery to represent the fragmented nature of memory, narrated through personal as well as familiar references from art history.
This event is free and open to the public. Learn more about the exhibition here.
The biennial Alexander Rutsch Award and Exhibition for Painting is a juried competition open to U.S.-based artists age 19 and older. Pelham Art Center proudly sponsors this competition and award honoring the memory and artistic achievement of artist Alexander Rutsch (1916 – 1997). Rutsch actively supported Pelham Art Center for more than 25 years. After his death, friends, family and supporters established a generous fund to support a biennial, open, juried competition in painting. Now in its 11th year, Matthew Cole was selected from among eight finalists and 730 total applicants from across the country to receive this prestigious award.
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Purchase a copy of the Matthew Cole Exhibition Catalog
Previous Winners of the Biennial Rutsch Award:
2019 Award Winner: Sarah McKenzie
2017 Award Winner: Sammy Chong
2015 Award Winner: Lindy Chambers
2013 Award Winner: Siobhan McBride
2011 Award Winner: Nina Rizzo
2009 Award Winner: Tracy Miller
2007 Award Winner: Liang Guo
2005 Award Winner: Dorothy Robinson
2003 Award Winner: Mitchell Marco
2001 Award Winner: Frank Trankina