Andy Warhol, Open This End, 1962. Screenprint on linen, 8 x 11 inches (20.32 x 27.94 cm).Collection of Blake Byrne, T’57. Image courtesy of TheMuseum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, California. Copyright 2014 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York, New York. Photo by Brian Forrest.
The 'End' Is Near
Treasure trove from private art collector intended to spark discussions
This year, an exclusive group of galleries across the U.S. have the opportunity to see some of the artwork owned by world-renowned art collector Blake Byrne.
Of those, only The Ohio State University Urban Arts Space is fortunate enough to have room to display the exhibition in its entirety.
From Aug. 25-Nov. 7, the Urban Arts Space will play host to Open This End: Contemporary Art from the Collection of Blake Byrne. Media appearing in the 77-piece show, curated by Joseph R. Wolin of New York, range from sculptures and paintings to video works.
The pieces from Byrne’s private collection represent discussions of important social issues and the evolution of contemporary art style of the past 50 years. The exhibit features work from acclaimed artists such as Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman and Ed Ruscha.
The works were chosen by the curator to present multiple themes, including identity and politics, as evinced by key artists over the last 50 years. True to the nature of contemporary art, the collection includes a diversity of art forms and presentation styles.
The exhibit was previously shown at Duke University and will make stops at Columbia University and Lewis and Clark College after visiting the Buckeye State. The collection is being shown for free to the public as part of Byrne’s way of giving back to the community and sharing his passion for art.
“In celebration of his 80th birthday, (Byrne) decided that he wanted to share his artwork with the communities that surround four different universities that are meaningful to his family,” says Valarie Williams, Urban Arts Space executive director.
Rita McBride, Parking Structure Interior, 1997, bronze, 24 x 34 x 12 inches (61 x 86.4 x 30.5cm) Collection of Blake Byrne. Courtesy Alexander and Bonin, New York, Annemarie Varna Galerie & Mai 36 Galerie, Zürich; Photo by Orcutt & Van Der Putten.
The 'End' Is Near
Byrne’s connection to OSU comes from his parents, who both graduated from the university. His father, John Byrne, was also an assistant professor at OSU.
“I think one of the most exciting things is the different personal connections that the artwork can bring about in conversations,” says Williams. “I think it’s intensely personal for Blake to share all of his work. It’s a wonderful gift for us to be able to receive.”
The personal connections and history the pieces hold are key to the stories they tell. Byrne describes art as a personal conversation.
“I think the key thing is, don’t be afraid of contemporary art just because you don’t think you understand it. Try to figure out what you’re looking at and what it means to you,” Byrne says. “Not every piece will speak to you, but when it does, listen. Speak back and have a conversation with the work.”
These conversations become a key component of the exhibit through its educational elements. In addition to the display of artwork, the Urban Arts Space will host four panels – including discussions on philanthropy, ethics and social issues – throughout the exhibit’s run.
“The premise is that art communicates. So the starting point is always the artwork on display, and from those pieces, there are several important conversations to be had,” says Merijn van der Heijden, deputy director of exhibitions and curatorial practices for the Arts Initiative at OSU. The Arts Initiative oversees the Urban Arts Space, as well as several other arts-related endeavors.
Marlene Dumas, Race, 1990, mixed-media collage on paper, 12 1/2 x 10 inches (31.8 x 25.4cm) The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, partial and promised gift of Blake Byrne. Copyright Marlene Dumas; Photo by Brian Forrest.
The 'End' Is Near
An interactive timeline of the pieces of art will be the first thing visitors see as they enter the exhibit. The timeline is designed to help visitors understand the history and connections of the pieces in the collection, as well as provide Byrne’s personal narrative.
As a philanthropist, Byrne believes in appreciating and sharing his art with others. Through this exhibit, he hopes to inspire others to collect and encourage collectors to share their works. Learning through art allows us to stay connected to the issues of the time, Byrne says.
“I think contemporary art helps one stay young because you see ideas through young artists,” he says. “And I think (staying young) is important for all of us.”
The touring Open This End exhibition is sponsored by the Skylark Foundation of Los Angeles.
A public reception with Byrne and Wolin will be held Sept. 25 at the space.
Morgan Schunn is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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