Countless artists have been inspired by texts, or have incorporated them into their artworks. None, however, have drawn their inspiration as directly from language as Robert Deyber has. The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is proud to present the first museum exhibition of this Connecticut artist who is quickly becoming one of the country’s most recognized contemporary artists. Robert Deyber: Turning A Phrase will open Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010 in the Museum’s exhibition galleries and be on view until Oct. 17, 2010.
Viewers may be delighted, challenged, or both, but they are unlikely to use language with the same certainty again. Like a pathologist unflinchingly cutting down to the inner core, Deyber takes the consensual meaning of phrases and expressions and deconstructs them. In his hands, even the most commonplace, overused sayings become fresh again. If familiar spaces can be rediscovered, why not familiar words? What if what we understand something to mean, actually meant something entirely different? Deyber takes us from the comfort of the familiar to quietly disturbing images that shake our certainties to the core.
His canvases are usually built upon a visual pun. It has become customary to cover their titles and have visitors guess what they are. When revealed, they, invariably, elicit smiles, and a knowing assent. It would be easy, and quite wrong, to interpret them simply as clever puzzles. There are oddly disturbing goings on in these artworks. One does not need a heavy hammer to make subtle social commentary. Animal figures predominate, lovingly rendered, often in wickedly funny, wacky contexts.
Deyber was born in Greenwich and lived in the town for 25 years. His ancestors moved to the town in the 1850s, and his father owned a real estate firm on Mason Street for 30 and was one of the original developers of Burning Tree Country Club and the surrounding community. Four years ago Mr. Deyber became exclusively represented and published by Greenwich-based Chalk & Vermillion Fine Arts, the parent company of Martin Lawrence Galleries.
Getting there:
Stamford Museum & Nature Center is located at 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT (3/4 mile North of Merritt Parkway Exit 35.) For more information call 203.322.1646 or visit www.stamfordmuseum.org.
Stamford Museum & Nature Center’s Mission:
Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity and interaction, seeking to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibitions, educational programs, and special events that enhance the visitor’s experience of our unique site.
Admission Fees*:
SM&NC members – Free
Adults $10
Seniors (65+) $8
Students (18+) $6 (with valid ID)
Children (4-17) $5
Children (3 and younger) Free *Excludes festival days & Special Events
Planetarium Show: Members Free. Adults $3; Children 5 and older $2
Observatory: Members Free. Adults $3; Children $2
Friday nights, 8:30-10:30 pm, weather permitting.
