An exhibition featuring thirty-seven watercolors of Koerner fellow Alexander Purves will be on view at the Henry Koerner Center through December 15. Displaying works painted between 1984 and 2016, the exhibition presents an array of subjects—from brambles and woods, to still life and Italian landscapes. Professor Purves writes of his works: “My watercolors are made from direct observation. The subjects are drawn from the natural world—not the grand epic view, but rather the modest story found close at hand. These subjects—rocks, brambles, woods—are commonplace, but they are incomparably rich. Taking time to observe closely reveals endless patterns, textures, miniature worlds.” Ruth Miller, the essayist for the exhibition catalogue, writes, “I think of his thickets, rocks, rivers and forests, palm trees and ferns—motifs and places he loves and returns to over and over, finding form, light, and order. He brings forth their unique characters. Forms become concrete. In the best of his work a kind of alchemy happens, joining his vision and medium to his subject, expressing perfect balance, harmony, and order.” The exhibition will be on view through December 15, 2017 at 149 Elm Street, second floor. Visit by invitation or appointment by calling 203-432-8227.
In conjunction with the exhibition, the Center will produce the play, England, by Tim Crouch, on Tuesday, December 12 at 4:00 p.m. at the Koerner Center. The play, which was written to be performed in art galleries, will use the Center’s current exhibition as its backdrop. The performance is free and open to the public, but seating must be reserved in advance. R.S.V.P. to emeritus@yale.edu.