SAAC is proud to present “Reimagining the Masterpiece,” an innovative exhibition by renowned artist James Volkert who lives in Conway, Arkansas, showcasing from January 13 to February 19, 2025, at the Merkle Gallery. An artist’s reception will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, offering an opportunity for visitors to meet Volkert and gain further insight into his creative process. This compelling exhibition features eleven significant paintings from the Evidence Series, each paired with authentic objects sourced from the sites depicted, providing viewers with a unique perspective on both art and authenticity.

As visitors step into the exhibition, they are welcomed by “Nightwatch: After Rembrandt,” a monumental reimagining of Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” (1642). This full-scale sketch is adorned with eighteen meticulously painted scenes, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of creating a masterwork and to reconsider how historical paintings can be experienced anew.

Among the highlights of the exhibition is “Evidence Gravity: After Raphael,” where Volkert reinterprets Raphael’s iconic “Deposition” (1507), which portrays the carrying of Jesus’s body from the cross to the tomb. Volkert’s piece is draped with a genuine silk shroud that suspends a stone collected from Jerusalem, offering a tangible connection to the historic narrative presented in the painting.

The gallery floor hosts “Bellows Erector,” a dynamic installation consisting of three kinetic sculptures based on George Bellows’ celebrated urban landscapes, which elevated the working class as worthy subjects of fine art. Notably, “Bellows Erector #1” draws inspiration from Bellows’ “Blue Morning” (1909), depicting the construction of the Pennsylvania Station railroad terminal in New York City. Volkert ingeniously fabricated a bronze scaffolding and gear mechanism, bringing a new dimension to the original work.

The exhibition is curated to take viewers on an exploratory journey through various thematic installations. The “After Turner Series” invites contemplation on the emotional resonance of paint and literature. This collection features eight reinterpretations of Joseph Mallord William Turner’s masterpieces, combined with poignant texts from literary giants like Shakespeare and Melville. For instance, “Blow wind and crack your cheeks!” visualizes the Shakespearean quote alongside Turner’s “Dutch Boats in a Gale” (1801), showcasing the synergy between visual art and eloquent prose.

James Volkert, whose artistic journey spans numerous prestigious national exhibitions and solo shows, possesses a rich academic background with a B.A. in Fine Art from the University of California, Davis, and an M.F.A. from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. Additionally, he served as an exhibition director in notable museums, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum. His works are included in noteworthy collections such as the South Bend Museum of Art and Historic Arkansas Museum.

Join us at the South Arkansas Arts Center to experience “Reimagining the Masterpiece,” where art history is not simply observed but reimagined in ways that inspire connection, truth, and innovation. SAAC is located at 110 E. 5th Street in El Dorado, Arkansas and the galleries are open to the public from 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.

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Take a Tour of James’ Studios posted on the Central Arkansas Collective Instagram Page: CLICK HERE