LOUISVILLE, Ky. 鈥 This summer, Hite Art Institute presents 鈥淪ummer Breaks: Labor, Leisure, Lust鈥 an exhibition of prints from the institute鈥檚 permanent collection that explores notions of American downtime.
In this exhibition, breaks鈥攚hether from work, to the beach, or into a good book鈥攐ffer departures from the ordinary into the unconventional and even the erotic. Yet as the prints reveal, such departures are only possible due to other forms of labor or exploitation.
聽鈥淪ummer Breaks鈥 was curated by Ash Braunecker, Hunter Kissel and Madison Sevilla as part of a critical and curatorial studies seminar taught by Chris Reitz, assistant professor of critical and curatorial studies and gallery director of Hite Art Institute.
鈥淭he exhibition showcases the incredible breadth of the Hite Art Institute鈥檚 print collection, but perhaps more important than that, it demonstrates the tremendous creativity and thoughtfulness of our curatorial students. It鈥檚 really a remarkable show,鈥 said Reitz.聽
The critical and curatorial studies master鈥檚 program at Hite combines critical theory, contemporary art, history and practical exhibition experience to prepare students for work in exhibition development and art writing.
“It was challenging working from the expansive permanent collection due to the sheer聽volume of prints聽and limited聽timeframe聽of the course,鈥 said Madison Sevilla,聽critical and curatorial studies student. 鈥淏ut, we worked hard to present what I believe is a strong, cohesive and compelling show.鈥澛
The exhibition is May 19-Aug. 5 in Schneider Hall Galleries. The opening reception is 6- 8 p.m. May 19. for directions and for gallery hours.
For more information, contact Reitz at cjreit02@louisville.edu.