The University Art Museum at the University of Albany, State University of New York has been an important venue for contemporary art exhibitions in upstate New York for over fifty years. It has expanded its mission of directly supporting artists in the research, production and presentation of projects that reflect the diverse perspectives and experiences of the University of Albany students. Planned exhibitions include Torch ’72/2020 which explores the trajectory and lineage of intersectional justice efforts on the University of Albany campus; i.de.al.is.tic which features three rising Black artists and explores each artist’s acceptance of imperfection and their relationship to idealism; and Well/Being: An Exhibition on Healing and Repair, explores topics of kinship, reparations, disability justice, chronic illness, convalescence, sleep deprivation, the emotional costs of caregiving and various incarnations of love.
The University Art Museum at the University of Albany, State University of New York
Anthony Olubunmi Akinbola, Camouflage #020 (Chorus), 2020, durags, acrylic on wood panel, 125 x 96 x 2 inches, courtesy of the artist. From the exhibition i.de.al.is.tic.
Sean Desiree, Greenwood Manor, Hudson, NY, 2019, african padauk, spalted maple, mahogany, ebony, pine, oak, cedar, 25 ½ x 33 ⅜ x ¼ inches, courtesy of the artist. From the exhibition i.de.al.is.tic.
Left: Torch ’72 Yearbook , published April 1972 , 9 ¼ x 12 ¼ inches (closed), courtesy of the Yearbook Collection, 1900-2014. M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, University at Albany, SUNY. Right: Albany Student Press, April 28, 1972, page 12, facsimile reproduction, 11 ½ x 17 inches, courtesy of Student Newspaper Collection, 1916-2019. M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, University at Albany, SUNY. Torch ‘72/2020.
Shane Selzer, TORCH ’72/2020 *feat. Fanta Ballo(installation view), 2021, 2 channel video projection, 13:25; color; sound, courtesy of the artist and Social Action Archive Committee.
“The Foundation’s commitment to supporting artists by funding the institutions that incubate, encourage, exhibit and critically engage their work is unwavering. Non-profit arts organizations face profound challenges due to the political, economic, social and cultural upheavals of our current moment. At the same time, and more than ever, artists need the supportive community and creative encouragement that these organizations provide.”
Joel Wachs, President