Exhibition celebrates artist's gift to museum

The Pond, Institute for Advanced Study, 9 AM, Oct. 11, 1993

Works by Thomas George in the exhibition include "The Pond, Institute for Advanced Study, 9 AM, Oct. 11, 1993." George made more than 100 pastels at the Princeton pond between 1984 and 1996 -- always noting  the time of day as a record of the angle and color of the light.

Norwegian Spruce, Marquand Park, Princeton

"Norwegian Spruce, Marquand Park, Princeton," a brush and black ink drawing also is in the show, which runs through Sept. 11.

 

 

Photos: Bruce M. White

An exhibition celebrating the art of longtime Princeton resident Thomas George will be on view at the University Art Museum from June 25 through Sept. 11.

In 2003, George gave the museum 37 works spanning a 50-year period so that people interested in his art might find a representative selection of it in one place. Titled "Thomas George: A Retrospective," the exhibition celebrates that gift, which added significantly to other works by George acquired previously by the museum. 

Consisting largely of selections from the permanent collection, together with two sketchbooks and a recent ink-and-wash drawing on loan from the artist, the exhibition covers a wide range of media and techniques. 

"The 25 works emphasize both change and continuity in George's artistic development, and the integral role played by nature in his pursuit of a uniquely abstract language," said Laura Giles, curator of prints and drawings, who organized the exhibition.

George's great interest has been landscape -- mountains, sea, sky, trees and gardens -- which he has observed, described and evoked in various locations throughout the world. A Princeton resident since 1969, he has been particularly inspired by the pond at the Institute for Advanced Study. He made more than 100 pastels there between 1984 and 1996.

The exhibition is accompanied by an illustrated brochure that includes an interview with the artist by writer Richard Trenner and a checklist of the works on view.

Susan Taylor, museum director, will lead an informal discussion with George at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, in the exhibition gallery. A reception will follow in the museum.

The museum is open to the public without charge from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.