Revisiting Pollock

AZUSA, CA (09/30/2008)(readMedia)-- In 1949, Life Magazine questioned, "Is he the greatest living painter in the United States?" Jackson Pollock, renowned for his action painting and drip techniques, and whose style set him apart in the '40s and '50s, continues to be studied and critiqued by scholars around the world. This October, visitors to Azusa Pacific University can decide for themselves as multiple works attributed to the modern painter will be exhibited for the first time.

"On the floor I am more at ease. I feel nearer, more a part of the painting, since this way I can walk around it, work from the four sides and literally be in the painting." - Jackson Pollock

For the public:

• The Revisiting Pollock exhibit runs Oct. 4-11. Gallery hours are Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun., 12-4 p.m.
• Opening reception: Sat., Oct. 4, 6-9 p.m.
• Location: Duke Gallery, APU West Campus, 701 E. Foothill Blvd., Azusa.

For the media:

• Media representatives are invited to a special viewing on Fri., Oct. 3, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Schedule a time to view the paintings and speak with experts.
• Contact Allison Oster at (626) 815-4518.
• To obtain a photo of one of the paintings for your publication, email aoster@apu.edu.

About the exhibit:

Owner Erich Neumeth obtained the works more than 40 years ago, but has never exhibited these paintings, until now. They have sparked discussions over authenticity from artists and collectors alike due to the uncertainty of their history. Were they created by Pollock, or are they imitations? The October exhibit centers on Pollock's style and technique and allow the audience to engage in the work and decide for themselves.

"The paintings raise questions relevant to authorship, history, scholarship, and science that the university is apt to facilitate," said Jim Daichendt, Ed.D., associate professor of art history and exhibitions director. "When visiting the exhibit, I hope students and visitors engage with the paintings, looking carefully at the lines, colors, texture, and how these elements interact with one another. This process of actively engaging with works of art allows for a rich dialogue, something the Department of Art hopes will continue outside the university."

For additional information on the exhibit, visit www.apu.edu/gallery/pollock/.

Azusa Pacific's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art with emphases in general studio and teaching; as well as a Bachelor of Art in Graphic Design. APU also offers a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts.

Featured in TIME magazine and ranked as one of the nation's best by U.S.News & World Report and The Princeton Review, Azusa Pacific is a comprehensive, Christian, evangelical university, committed to God First and known for excellence in higher education. Azusa Pacific's main campus lies just 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley, while its seven Southern California regional centers bring convenience and extend quality programming. The university offers more than 60 areas of undergraduate study, 26 master's degree programs, and 7 doctorates to a total student population of more than 8,100. For more information, call (800) 825-5278 or visit www.apu.edu.

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