MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS
In 1989, the Phoenix Aviation Department began providing spaces for exhibitions to promote Arizona through its arts, culture, sciences, natural and historical attractions. Currently, the airport system has more than 25 display areas that include a gallery, built-in cases, and portable walls and pedestals. Display areas are added and changed as the airport grows. For images or additional information, call (602) 273-2105.
Terminal 4, International Concourse Hallway
Through March, 2009
Western Visions
Featured works from the Phoenix Airport Museum permanent collection. The artists are: Kay Beaubien, Anne Coe, Robert Daughters, Betty Hahn, Adriel Heisey, Sheila Kollasch, William Lesch, Ed Mell, Stephen Morath and Brenda Semanick.
Terminal 4, Level 2 (two cases)
Through Jan. 4, 2009
Hooves, Paws, Wings, Claws
Artists have been depicting animals in various ways since ancient times. Their animals may be a realistic depiction of a beloved family pet or exotic species. They may be playful and toy-like with wheels or a whimsical dog-pilot. Artists may illustrate a childhood memory or embellish an object with animal images. Whether they construct, print, sculpt or draw they show us hooves, paws, wings and claws.
This exhibition features 17 artworks from the Airport’s broad and varied collection of more than 500 pieces.
Terminal 4, Level 3 Center Court, south wall
Through Jan. 19, 2009
Voices in Stone:
Sculpture by Gedion Nyanhongo
Born in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, Gedion Nyanhongo comes from a family of prominent sculptors. He now lives in Phoenix. “All my stone pieces tell stories about life. In every piece there is a voice. I have come to understand and narrate it.
“I sculpt using traditional techniques and hand tools (i.e., hammer, chisel, rasp, file, sandpaper, etc.) and stones from Zimbabwe including Springstone and Opal Stone. The color and texture in the stone inspire me. When I look at a raw stone, I see what there is to reveal in each sculpture I create.
“One must be gentle with the stone for it to reveal its charm. I do not use machines when sculpting because they come in between and destroy my personal dialogue with the stones. When working, I always develop a collective focus that amplifies the intensity of feeling, inspiring reactions that come from the uncarved boulders. When I encounter difficult stones, I wait until they decide to speak to me and reveal their hidden beauty.”
Terminal 4, Level 3, east & west end (8 cases)
Through March 3, 2009
Terminal 4, Level 3, Gallery
Through April 26, 2009
Other Words
Letters, text and punctuation — the marks of language — are visual. Culture with its barrage of advertisements, consumer icons and sound bites has influenced these fine artists. Incorporating text and graphic elements, they add another layer of meaning to their art.
The artists have combined words with images or objects to create puns, suggest stories or to provoke thoughts. Hand-written, painted, printed or recycled, text has become an aesthetic quality. Literary marks are used as visual texture, pattern, rhythm and context — in other words, the language of artists.
