Clerestory Fine Art presents “A Fish Cannot Drown in Water: The Inner Life of the Artist” featuring prints, paintings, and sculpture by Sybil Archibald. This will be the first solo artist for the artist in New Jersey, featuring multimedia installations by the artist.
The exhibition title is pulled from a poem by the Christian medieval mystic Mechthild of Magdeburg (German, c.1207 – c.1282/1294), and ties into Archibald’s larger message of spiritual evolution in the face of adversity. Shortly after graduating from college, Archibald was diagnosed with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease, and given five years to live. Calling upon “the transformational power of making art,” she returned to working and continues her abundant practice more than 25 years later, with her work even being featured on the HBO show “Mrs. Fletcher” in Autumn 2019.
Known for her prolific “monotype of the day” project, the artist has established a devoted following of collectors drawn to her symbolic prints, pulling from her background studying medieval spirituality. This exhibition expands on that body with the artist’s large-scale interactive pieces. Wind, sound, multifaceted light experience, and even a specialized smartphone app will all enhance the viewer’s understanding of Archibald’s deeply meaningful works in the gallery.
A stellar line-up of free public programming will also accompany the exhibition. The launch of Clerestory Fine Art’s Collector “101” Series, will debut on Tuesday, February 11, 7-9pm with “Collecting Art on Paper,” including panelists Sybil Archibald; Jason Rulnick, Senior Specialist of Contemporary and Postwar Art for ARTnet and Elizabeth Marcus, Associate Director, Galerie St. Etienne, NY; and Assistant Professor, New York University, Department of Art & Art Professions.
The exhibition runs through February 28, 2020 and is accompanied by a catalogue.
Sybil Archibald – Opening Reception
Thursday, January 16, 2020
7:00 PM 9:00 PM
Clerestory Fine Art
40 Church Street, Montclair