Latest Nasher exhibit features local artists

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of art? Is it Warhol? Picasso? Banksy, even? Art often summons the idea of untouchable icons––praised for being ahead of their time––or big names in New York’s art district. But this idea neglects the incredible talent within local communities: some of the very best work can be found right around the corner. All Duke students have to do is open our eyes to the “artists next door." Starting Jan. 24, the Nasher Museum of Art will open its Area 919 exhibition to both Duke students and the general public. This showcase promises to be as vibrant and diverse as the city itself, solely featuring artists who live in the Raleigh-Durham Triangle area. Area 919 includes works from artists already recognized in today’s art world, as well as works from those newer to the scene.

"Area 919 is a collective effort," Reneé Cagnina Haynes, Exhibitions and Publications Manager for the Nasher Museum of Art, said over email. "The Museum’s curatorial department spent several months reviewing the work of local artists, and studio visits were conducted with many of them."

Through Apr. 12, students will have the opportunity to get to know the work of local artists Jeff Bell, Casey Cook, André Leon Gray, Lincoln Hancock with Yuxtapongo, Harrison Haynes, George Jenne, Stacey L. Kirby, Lavar Munroe, Damian Stamer, Bill Thelen, Hong-An Truong, Stacy Lynn Waddell and Jeff Whetstone.

"Many of the artists in the exhibition already have a connection to our programs, exhibitions, and collection," Haynes said. "Bringing their work together under one roof with each other seemed like the next? obvious step. It creates an interesting new dialogue for not only them, but also for the viewing public."

Since Area 919 includes artists of varying career levels, perspectives and media, Haynes believes the exhibition will “reveal the range and diversity of the Triangle’s every-growing artistic community.”

The works of both Stacy Lynn Waddell and Jeff Whetstone are already a part of the museum’s permanent collection. According to Haynes, Whetstone has also “participated in gallery talks, contributed to the Nasher’s blog and teaches from the museum’s exhibitions.” Harrison Haynes, a Durham native, is also no stranger to the Nasher, having participated in the museum’s touring exhibition, The Record: Contemporary Art & Vinyl.

"To bring them [local artists] all together and in dialogue with one another for the first time is quite exciting," Haynes said. "We hope that viewers will discover something new and specific to the region through this exhibition, and that the artists themselves will walk away with new ideas, opportunities, and a fresh sense of community."