Delaware Art Museum Exhibition Combines Sculpture and Works on Paper
The Delaware Art Museum presents “Revision” by sculptor David Meyer, opening on Saturday, May 6, 2023, and running through Sunday, September 24, 2023. An artist gallery chat will take place on August 24 during a 5:30 p.m. Thursday Museum Happy Hour. The exhibition is included in the price of Museum admission.
“Revision” combines pieces from several of Meyer’s major series from the last decade, and will comprise ten objects, including two sculptures and eight works on paper.
Margaret Winslow, Chief Curator and Curator of Contemporary Art, says, “For this show, David is making two new pieces. ‘According to what’ is a hanging wall-based sculpture that will be assembled on-site, made with hand-formed chain links. This work is installation-specific and it’s different each time.”
Both the wall-based and the hanging sculptures are large-scale pieces, and the archival prints are based on photos the artist has taken of his sculptures. While the sculptures will hang in the East Court, the prints will hang in the adjacent upstairs hallway.
The Oklahoma-born Meyer sculpts various materials—aluminum, steel or ribbon—to form objects that elevate our senses. Meyer invites viewers to scrutinize their assessments of the world around them, such as expecting metal to be heavy and chains to be set. His “Air into breath” series uses delicate aluminum and ribbon sculptures as a way to explore the tension between what is seen and what is perceived.
The artist investigates systems, often creating sculptures that expand over time, and creating new works out of existing works.
Meyer frequently takes found photographic images and distorts them to create new, three-dimensional outlines vaguely reminiscent of the original, unidentified photos. Meyer then photographs his hanging sculptures to create his own works on paper. Each layer invites translation and interpretation, and Meyer perceives a person’s understanding of images as something that changes over time.
He says, “Because of the undefined nature of the imagery within the work, the subject matter can shift from one thought to another and only becomes real when we believe it, like a ghost.”
Meyer says, “Working in this realm helps me remain aware of nature’s relentless progression through the cycle of life, death and regeneration.”
Meyer’s connection to Delaware stems from his studies and career at the University of Delaware. After receiving his bachelor of fine art degree from Kansas City Art Institute in 1986, he earned a master of fine art degree from the University of Delaware in 1996, ultimately teaching there for more than 20 years. He retired in January 2023 and maintains an active studio practice at his home outside of Newark, Del.
He is an award-winning teacher and lecturer, and the recipient of multiple fellowships and commissions, including a Delaware Division of the Arts fellowship. Sculpture commissions include the City of Newark, Del. and the Delaware Community Foundation, and memorials for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Past exhibition highlights include participation in group shows at the Delaware Art Museum, The Delaware Contemporary, Art Museum of the Americas, United States Botanic Garden, Vox Populi (Philadelphia), Corcoran Gallery of Art, Towson University, Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington, Globe Dye Works, AREA 405 (Baltimore) and James Oliver Gallery (Philadelphia). Solo exhibitions of his work have been presented at venues throughout the United States including West Chester University, Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art, The Delaware Contemporary, Durbin Gallery at Birmingham-Southern College, Leedy-Voulkos Art Center (Kansas City), and the Visual Arts Center at San Antonio College.
For more information about the exhibition, visit our website. For more information about David Meyer, visit his website.
This exhibition is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.
About the Delaware Art Museum
For over 100 years, the Museum has served as a primary arts and cultural institution in Delaware. It is alive with experiences, discoveries, and activities to connect people with art and with each other. Originally created in 1912 to honor the renowned illustrator and Wilmington-native, Howard Pyle, the Museum’s collection has grown to over 12,000 works of art in our building and sculpture garden. Also recognized for British Pre-Raphaelite art, the Museum is home to the most comprehensive Pre-Raphaelite collection on display outside of the United Kingdom, and a growing collection of significant contemporary art.
Under the leadership of our Board of Trustees, the Delaware Art Museum is implementing a comprehensive approach to community and civic engagement. This exciting new strategic direction requires that we increase our value and relevance to all audiences. Visit delart.org for the latest exhibitions, programs, and performances or connect with us via social media.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Revision” by Sculptor David Meyer
WHEN: May 6–September 24, 2023
WHERE: Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19806
COST: Included in Museum admission
INFO: delart.org
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Artist Gallery Chat with Sculptor David Meyer
WHEN: Thursday, August 24, 2023, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19806
COST: Free
INFO: delart.org
Top: According to what, 2023. Steel. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist. © David Meyer.