Land and Water: Recent Acquisitions of the University Art Museum

Bringing the work of three New Mexican artists together, Land and Water: Recent Acquisitions of the University Art Museum highlights additions to the collection that focus on the environment. Basia Irland (b. 1946), Alan Paine Radebaugh (b. 1952) and Zachariah Rieke (b. 1943) each work in different ways but their visual and conceptual connections are obvious. From small-scale images to large, the three require that viewers closely examine aspects of nature whether in minute fragments or through use of environmental elements as paint, printing medium, or sculpture. Some work here intently questions the state of the earth, its pollution and resulting health issues. Other pieces suggest the beauty of the environment through natural pigments, experimental techniques, and attempts to envelop the viewer in the intricacies and textures of nature.   All are experimental in method, some using natural materials while others duplicate aspects of the world around us in other mediums.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.