“In the Collection of...” a close up view of Objects from the Young collection at Locust Grove Estate”
This body of work will be on view September 27, 2021- January 16, 2022 in the Transverse Gallery in the Visitors Center at Locust Grove Estate, Poughkeepsie, NY, and concurrently online with Lowell Ryan Projects from October 9- November 6, 2021.
A selection of these paintings will be exhibited concurrently online with Lowell Ryan Projects from October 9- November 6th.
“The works in this exhibition feature images of porcelain dinnerware pieces that are part of the collections at the Locust Grove Estate Historic House Museum in Poughkeepsie, NY. Small in scale these oil paintings on Mylar mounted on panel continue Smith’s exploration of historic objects, investigating how they lose value and social status and ultimately become inert markers of cultural change.”
Upon my initial visit to the museum I discovered objects not easily visible- but tucked inside of china cupboards and linen drawers. These less visible objects became the most intriguing subject matter for paintings. Some dimly lit, shadowed by shelves above containing more and more beautiful collections of celery vases and fine china, once used for lively dinner parties, but now rarely seen. I was interested to celebrate these objects in situ- in the places where they now live- rarely seen, but not forgotten.
To see the whole collection of paintings- click the button below
Locust Grove was the country estate of Samuel Morse, inventor of the telegraph and Morse Code as well as an accomplished painter and founder of the National Academy of Design in NYC. Built in 1850, the Italianate style home was purchased by a prominent Poughkeepsie family in the early twentieth century. The Young family expanded the home and filled it with collections of family heirlooms, fine china, decorative arts, and Hudson River School paintings. In the 1970’s Annette Innis Young (last surviving family member) established the not-for-profit home and collection into the Historic House Museum it is today; nestled on 200 acres of beautiful grounds with walking trails accessible to the public.
Canton China II
14” X 17”
Oil on Mylar mounted on Panel
2020
Notes from the Historian: From the collection of blue and white Chinese Export porcelain, made in Canton, 1825-1850. Also called “Blue Willow” or “Cantonware”
This is my first exhibition of paintings created in response to a historic museum collection. It is something that I have been thinking about for quite a while- and has been simmering on the back burner since an Artist in Residence program I participated in at Winterthur Museum and Gardens in 2012-13 while in graduate school. My work in response to Henry Francis DuPonts world renowned collection was sculptural- however, I had also thought at the time that the collections at Winterthur would also provide fabulous subjects to paint!
I’ve had such a great time exploring the Young collection through paint! I discovered a Coffee service, in the Egyptian style, gilt decorated porcelain made in Paris, 1810-1825, Chinese export china and Canton China circa 1850-1875 as well as beautiful china from the Sevres factory in France that was ordered by King Louis-Philippe for the Chateau de Fontainebleau!
Many thanks to Kenneth Snodgrass, the museum Historian, for his thorough tour of the collections, generosity of sharing information about the Young family and their eclectic collections and patience! I have learned so much from painting these objects- and have enjoyed this process immensely!
I look forward to forging future opportunities to explore, uncover and revisit cherished historical objects through paint!