MALVERN, PA — The harmonious rhythms of life become tangible at the Wharton Esherick Museum (WEM) in their 30th Annual Juried Woodworking Exhibition titled “Rhythms”. This captivating exhibition, opening June 13, 2024, celebrates the direct connection between life’s rhythms and creativity.
The annual Juried Woodworking Exhibition has been an integral part of WEM’s events calendar since 1994. It serves as a platform connecting the innovative legacy of Esherick with modern artists. The theme for this year’s milestone exhibition is rhythms, generating an eclectic collection of works that explore the patterns shaping our lives.
Esherick’s belief in the interconnectedness of human, creative, and natural rhythms is reflected throughout his studio. This philosophy echoes in the repeating forms of his iconic Spiral Staircase and the changing hues of the studio silo that mirror the rhythm of seasonal shifts.
This year, twenty-five contemporary artists interpret the concept of rhythm through wood, Esherick’s chosen medium. By boldly bringing their personal experiences and thought processes to life, they invite us into the patterns that shape their unique worlds.
Winner Chelsea Witt masterfully combines printmaking and furniture-making to explore pivotal ideas. Her piece “Conflict Can Amplify Love and Reaction” uses flowing parallel lines, creating a mystifying journey for the observer.
Second place awardee Raul De Lara uses his artistic flair to confront the rhythm of emotions that accompany significant life changes, specifically grief. His emotionally charged rocking chairs, “The Wait (Again)” and “Tornado,” juxtapose pleasure with pain.
George Lorio, the third-place finisher, disrupts the rhythms of the natural world, creating a poignant dialogue about human interference. Lorio ingeniously transforms plant matter into fabricated impressions of trees and stumps.
Honorable mention, Talia Drury, infuses her personal experiences into “The Sound of Nature”, a functional guitar that vibrates with the rhythms of nature and craftsmanship.
Each of the participating artists in “Rhythms” makes tangible the abstract notion of rhythm’s hold over all of nature. They challenge us to reflect on the rhythms interwoven into our everyday lives and how these patterns shape our identity.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see these breathtaking pieces and more at the WEM Visitor Center, or virtually at the WEM’s website.
Remember, creativity beats with a rhythm all its own. Discover your rhythm and let the melodies guide you towards inspiration.
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