HOUSATONIC MUSEUM OF ART ACQUIRES ROBERT ERIC MOORE WORK
Oct. 1, 2010
Contact: Robbin Zella 203-332-5052
Bridgeport, Connecticut – The Director of the Housatonic Museum of Art, Robbin Zella, has announced the acquisition of Ice at Bass Cove by the Maine artist Robert Eric Moore (1927-2006). The painting is a gift of retired Attorney Joseph H. Sweeney of Fairfield, Connecticut. The acrylic painting came from Attorney Sweeney’s personal collection, which also includes the works of Connecticut artists George Strickland and J. Von Hammill as well as Asian works in various media.
Robert Eric Moore (1927-2006) was raised in New Hampshire, but spent his school vacations at his grandparent’s summer home at York Beach, Maine. His painting style skillfully combines both abstract and representational features, and is characterized by stylized natural shapes set against hard-edge abstracted forms. This juxtaposition creates a tension and an explosive energy that seems at odds with his predominately cool, muted palette. His use of traditional transparent washes of watercolor is typically integrated with the less common use of opaquely painted areas - each or both often covered with a pattern or texture suggestive of flowers, crashing waves, falling snow or the tracks of an animal. This mixture of disparate perspectives, styles and techniques result in unique images that make Moore’s work immediately recognizable and widely appreciated.
Moore’s works (both watercolor and acrylic) have been exhibited in national venues, including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the De Cordova Museum, the Portland Museum of Art, and the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. He was a member of the National Academy of Design, the American Watercolor Society, and the National Watercolor Society.
The Housatonic Museum of Art is located within the Housatonic Community College 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, CT. The Museum has one of the most significant collections of any two-year college in the country and includes works by master artists such as Rodin, Picasso, Matisse, Miro and Chagall. Both art enthusiasts and casual observers have the rare opportunity to engage daily with original works of art and artifacts on continuous display throughout the College and campus grounds. The Museum also presents lectures, programs and changing exhibitions in the Burt Chernow Galleries for students and the community at large at no charge, serving as a cultural resource for the Greater Bridgeport area.
Under the guidance and care of the late Burt Chernow, founder and Director Emeritus of the Museum, artists and collectors alike have given, and still give, generously, creating a world class collection that is widely considered the largest and best at any two year college in the United States.
The collection can be viewed throughout the college during hours when the college is open. For more information call 203-332-5052.
Housatonic Community College is located at 900 Lafayette Blvd. in downtown Bridgeport, less than 150 yards off I-95 (Exit 27) and Rte. 8 (Exit 1), a block from the Arena at Harbor Yard. Free parking is available in the HCC garage.