Join The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum on Sunday, July 13, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., for a free celebration as they launch the second installment of The Aldrich's 50th Anniversary series of exhibitions that highlight not only the Museum's legacy, but also the relationship between the era in which it was founded and our current cultural landscape. David Diao: Front to Back is one of a series of solo exhibitions during the 2014–15 anniversary year that acknowledges artists whose early careers are closely connected with the history of the Museum. Larry Aldrich, the Museum's founder, purchased one of Diao's paintings in 1969 and his work was featured in Aldrich exhibitions in 1987, 1992, and 1996.
This exhibition brings together a selection of paintings that span the years 1972 to 2012, presenting a timeline of Diao's sustained dialogue with Modernism, as well as his relationship to the art world and the critical establishment. The early works speak to Diao's struggle with the history of gestural abstraction in a period when many artists were questioning the validity of painting. The more recent works in the exhibition reflect the artist's soul searching on both his career and role in the unfolding history of painting.
1 to 2 p.m., Members Hour, Reservations Required.
Become a member and join the artist at a private preview!
2 to 3 p.m., Panel Discussion–SOLD OUT, Reservations Required.
Hear from artist David Diao and Aldrich exhibitions director Richard Klein.
3 to 5 p.m., Opening Reception, Reservations Requested.
Explore the six 50th Anniversary exhibitions, join a docent-led tour at 4 p.m., participate in family activities all afternoon, and purchase picnic fare from Green Grunion, Danbury's San Diego-style burrito truck.
Member · FREE
Non-member · FREE
Register online.
Major support for Museum operations has been provided by members of The Aldrich Board of Trustees and by the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation.