News
Release
For Immediate Release
Oct. 1, 2010
Contact: Robbin Zella 203-332-5052
HOUSATONIC MUSEUM OF ART ACQUIRES ROBERT ERIC MOORE WORK
Bridgeport, Connecticut – The Director of the Housatonic Museum of Art, Robbin Zella, has announced the acquisition of Ice at Bass Cove by the Maine artist Robert Eric Moore (1927-2006). The painting is a gift of retired Attorney Joseph H. Sweeney of Fairfield, Connecticut. The acrylic painting came from Attorney Sweeney’s personal collection, which also includes the works of Connecticut artists George Strickland and J. Von Hammill as well as Asian works in various media.
Robert Eric Moore (1927-2006) was raised in New
Hampshire, but spent his school vacations at his grandparent’s summer
home at York Beach, Maine. His painting style skillfully combines
both abstract and representational features, and is characterized
by stylized natural shapes set against hard-edge abstracted forms.
This juxtaposition creates a tension and an explosive energy that
seems at odds with his predominately cool, muted palette. His use
of traditional transparent washes of watercolor is typically integrated
with the less common use of opaquely painted areas - each or both
often covered with a pattern or texture suggestive of flowers, crashing
waves, falling snow or the tracks of an animal. This mixture of disparate
perspectives, styles and techniques result in unique images that
make Moore’s work immediately recognizable and widely appreciated.
Moore’s works (both watercolor and acrylic) have been exhibited
in national venues, including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the
Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the De Cordova Museum, the Portland Museum
of Art, and the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. He was a member of
the National Academy of Design, the American Watercolor Society, and
the National Watercolor Society.
The Housatonic Museum of Art is located within the Housatonic Community
College 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, CT. The Museum has one
of the most significant collections of any two-year college in the
country and includes works by master artists such as Rodin, Picasso,
Matisse, Miro and Chagall. Both art enthusiasts and casual observers
have the rare opportunity to engage daily with original works of art
and artifacts on continuous display throughout the College and campus
grounds. The Museum also presents lectures, programs and changing exhibitions
in the Burt Chernow Galleries for students and the community at large
at no charge, serving as a cultural resource for the Greater Bridgeport
area.
Under the guidance and care of the late Burt Chernow, founder and Director
Emeritus of the Museum, artists and collectors alike have given, and
still give, generously, creating a world class collection that is widely
considered the largest and best at any two year college in the United
States.
The collection can be viewed throughout the college during hours when
the college is open. For more information call 203-332-5052.
Housatonic Community College is located at 900 Lafayette Blvd. in downtown
Bridgeport, less than 150 yards off I-95 (Exit 27) and Rte. 8 (Exit
1), a block from the Arena at Harbor Yard. Free parking is available
in the HCC garage.
Anson C. Smith, Public Relations Coordinator
Housatonic Community College
900 Lafayette Blvd.
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Tel: 203-332-5229, Fax: 203-332-5247
E-mail: asmith@hcc.commnet.edu