“Group Relief”— a solo exhibition by artist Ruby Sky Stiler
Featuring new relief paintings and figurative furniture-sculpture by New York artist Ruby Sky Stiler (b. 1979), Group Relief is presented by the Fairfield University Art Museum as part of the University’s celebration of 50 years of women at Fairfield. Stiler, who holds a BFA from RISD and an MFA from the Yale University School of Art, has been investigating images of women inspired by the techniques and language of classical antiquity for over a decade. Recently, Stiler’s art has expanded to include the subject of “father and child.” The dearth of art historical precedent for depictions of men displaying emotional intimacy, or being defined by their relationship to their children, is in stark contrast to the abundant impressions of “mother and child.”
Curated by Ian Berry, Dayton Director of the Tang Teaching Museum, this exhibition includes contemporary interpretations of the traditional museum “viewing bench” as a form of utilitarian sculpture. The exhibition invites viewers to sit and consider their own bodies in relation to the gallery space and the ideas in the artwork on the walls.
The exhibition is accessible through the museum’s website as a 3-D virtual exhibition with audio tour. (Due to Covid-19 precautions, Fairfield University’s in-person viewing of the exhibition in the museum’s Walsh Gallery in the Quick Center for the Arts, is not available.)
The exhibition, which opened with a virtual conversation between Ruby Sky Stiler and curator Ian Berry on September 10, will be on view until December 19.