by Nancy Moyer
SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
The International Museum of Art and Science (IMAS) is pleased to announce the new exhibition, Truth & Rumors, a jewelry experience by Nancy Moyer.
This exhibition consists of 21 works of jewelry utilizing both precious and alternative materials. The museum will host an Opening Reception for the Truth & Rumors exhibition at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 21,with Moyer speaking about her work and processes. Moyer’s work will remain on view at the museum through Sunday, Nov. 25.
Truth & Rumors embraces the art form of jewelry as an artistic platform for social commentaries about current perceptions related to the Border Wall.
Social commentaries on actual and assumed activity that is occurring along the Texas-Mexico border find expression in this unusual format. Moyer’s observation of the border fence and possible wall mixes the absurd with straight-forward observation. Imagery depicting clashes between the drug cartels and the Mexican military exist on the southern side, and Border Patrol activities often dominate the northern side. Collaborative work with Painter Mark Clark, and characters photographed from his paintings, offer comical yet darkly absurd visual stories, suggesting criminal cooperation between both sides as well as activity that appears to be illegal, but how to distinguish? Sarcasm is nuanced. Immigration concerns weave their way into Moyer’s scenario providing another narrative thread.
For the past two decades, Moyer has been combining metal and photography to create wearable art jewelry, and increasingly, the photography balance in the jewelry has taken on more importance as the social concepts began to dominate the craft. Wearable art has a place in artistic conversation about human concerns and is able to rise above design and craft. The Border Fence and Border Wall controversies wrap around our Frontera population like ephemeral wraps with their ongoing stories, and this sensation is embraced with art statements and expressions that can be worn, making the ephemera within also visible on the body.
Moyer is a Professor Emerita of Art having served as Professor of Art at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) from 1969 to 2003 and Chair of Art from 1971-1979 and again from 1994-03. She established Art as a freestanding department at the University of Pan American (UTPA, UTRGV) in 1971. As a local Arts advocate, Moyer Chaired the McAllen Arts Council, the McAllen Public Art Committee, and serves as the Art Critic for the McAllen Monitor. Her work is internationally exhibited and published. A work from the series, “Border Scenario”, is currently being shown in the “La Frontera” exhibition at the Museum of Art and Design in New York City through September 2018.
International Museum of Art & Science, President & Executive Director, Serena Pandos states, “Looking at Moyer’s work instantly stimulates a multifaceted dialogue on relevant contemporary socio-political issues here on the border. Moyer’s work is thought provoking, and encourages the viewer to consider events evolving around cultural inheritance, morality, values, security, and citizenship. Her collaborative with painter Mark Clark offers an intellectual stickiness that extends well beyond the walls of the museum; one may be left thinking of her work long after the first encounter.”
ABOUT IMAS
The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a Smithsonian Affiliated Museum. The mission of the International Museum of Art & Science is to create an environment that inspires, educates and entertains the public through the arts and sciences. The museum is located at the intersection of Bicentennial Way and Nolana Ave. at 1900 W. Nolana in McAllen. Hours of operation are: closed Mondays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. On the first Thursday of each month, IMAS is open until 8 p.m.. Log onto http:// www. theimasonline. org or call (956) 681-2800 for more information.
Image credit: Capture Neckpiece 2013; Materials: Sterling silver, digital image, resin, optical screws; Collection of Kirk and Jeri Clark