“Matthew Ronay: Selected Works 2007–2010” opens in the galleries with a reception and performance works, or activations, by the artist, 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m. March 7. The artist also will give the Nora Iasigi Bullitt Memorial Lecture, “Content Patterns,” immediately after the opening reception in Room 205 of the Bingham Humanities Building.
The exhibition features sculptural works that exemplify Ronay’s concern with ceremony, ritual and the mysteries inherent to the cycle of life. They reflect his move away from brightly colored tableau sculptures, which referenced pop culture and consumerist fascination, to those that evoke a dark and quiet sense of wonderment rooted in nature. Ritual and energy transference are important themes in this work as are systems of replenishment and shedding of waste.
Handcrafted pieces indicate a dismissal of all things mass produced while still retaining timeless references. Ronay’s materials are mostly organic and include wood, cotton and leather.
Ronay earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale University in 2000 and lives and works in Brooklyn, N.Y. He has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States and abroad and is represented by Andrea Rosen Gallery in New York and Marc Foxx Gallery in Los Angeles.
The Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft has on exhibit additional works by Ronay through May 5.
Schneider Hall galleries are accessible from the southwest terrace of Schneider Hall. Hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.