The New Jersey State Museum's recently opened exhibition, “Beyond the Tangible,” features 26 non-objective abstract works by 22 American artists. The works were created from the late 1930s to recent times and are part of the museum’s fine arts collection.
“A number of the works included in this exhibition haven’t been on view in some time, and we’re pleased to have this opportunity to share them with the public again,” says exhibition curator and NJSM Executive Director Margaret O’Reilly.
According to museum materials, “Non-objective abstraction is a form of art lacking identifiable landscapes, objects, or people. Line, shape, color, and texture take center stage in this art form."
“The artists have created these works purely for aesthetics. Some employ this form of abstraction as their sole method of expression, while others use a variety of styles to create their works. Each work invites the viewer to engage in a visual dialogue and perceive beyond the tangible.”
The work “Soot Camp” by James Little offers a peek into the exhibition and an indication of the value of the NJSM’s contemporary art collection.
Former fines arts curator Alison Weld writes in “Art by African Americans in the collection of the New Jersey State Museum”:
