Bone Flairs by Casey Curran. Photo by Fritz Rodriguez.
Exciting new exhibitions are coming to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art this fall, featuring powerhouse artists such as Jeanne K. Simmons, James Perkins, Evan Roth and Casey Curran. These exhibitions, each composed of handcrafted sculptures, immersive photography and detailed paintings, tackle themes from unique perspectives and challenge viewers to reflect on all aspects of the world that surrounds us.
I had the pleasure of speaking with artists Casey Curran and Jeanne K. Simmons, whose exhibitions, Tidal Sky and Rooted, will be on display beginning in October. Curran’s show features an immersive installation of his past work, as well as new hand-cranked pieces. His exhibition tells a complete story of the environments that surround humanity.
Archaeopteryx - Heron 24 by Casey Curran.
“For me, the words Tidal Sky are a direct reference to the cyclical nature of our environments. From seasons to ice ages, extinctions and innovations, our world is shaped by this vast wheel of nature turning back around and meeting itself,” Curran explains. “We can talk about the phases of the moon, or the seasons of the empire, but what Tidal Sky points to are these recurring phenomena in our shared history. It’s a reference to things that are too large to be understood at a glance, but need to be experienced over hours, years or even centuries to see their patterns emerge.”
Through the movement of his art, Curran’s exhibition explores the repetitive cycle of time, encouraging viewers to consider both the large and small elements that exist in the universe.
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“This exhibition charts a line between the hubris of past catastrophes and what we can learn from their aftermath. Central to the show is a monumental installation combining new and recontextualized elements that expand on the themes of growth, collapse and the long arc of human achievement,” he says. “The pieces presented in Tidal Sky invite viewers to step into a larger sense of time and consider our place within it.”
Simmons’ exhibition bridges themes of humanity and the natural world. “Rooted, my exhibition at SMoCA, consists of a collection of projects that explore and elucidate my belief that we humans are part of the fabric of the natural world,” Simmons says. “There are themes of grief, connection and interdependence. Through this work I celebrate my love of, and express my deep reverence for, the natural world.”
Grass Cocoon by Jeanne K. Simmons.
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Through sculptures, photographs and a new sculptural installation of a Pacific Northwest landscape, constructed from natural materials from her home environment, Simmons’ exhibition tells a story of the natural world through the natural materials that surround us.
“The term ‘Rooted’ relates directly to my work, in that I work with natural materials, often including roots. Also, all of the pieces in this exhibit are rooted in my relationship with the natural world.”
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art will begin featuring its fall exhibitions as early as September 20 and invite you to experience an unforgettable season of innovative creativity. From the breathtaking work of Casey Curran’s Tidal Sky and Simmons’ Rooted, to a lineup of other dynamic new shows, this is a celebration of fine art you don’t want to miss.
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