From Perfect Sound Forever Sent Wed, Jul 8th 1998, 03:48
Since someone else posted part of this info before, here's the official info from the Gallery about the Bertoia show. Jason The Book Beat Gallery is pleased to present a very special summer exhibition of Harry and Val Bertoia's sound sculptures. The exhibition opens July 10th from 7-9PM at the Book Beat, 26010 Greenfield in Oak Park, and will include a sound performance on the night of the opening. The exhibit will continue from July 10- August 21. Harry Bertoia (1915-1978) is an internationally known artist and designer, famous for his modern furniture designs for Knoll Inc. Examples of his modern 1950's designed furniture, along with a suite of four monoprints, some selected smaller sculptures, and documents of his Pennsylvania studio will also be on display. The monoprints were last exhibited over twenty-five years ago at the Guggenheim museum. Harry Bertoia was born in San Lorenza, Italy in 1915. He came in 1930 to live in Detroit with his brother, and attended Cass Tech High school and later the Detroit School of Arts and Crafts. He was awarded a scholarship in 1936 to attend Cranbrook Academy of Art, and from 1938 to 1943 he taught metal crafts and graphics at Cranbrook. The early 1950's led to the acclaimed series of Bertoia chairs, still in production from Knoll Inc. Bertoia's work in graphic arts, design and sculpture can been seen in numerous public and private collections worldwide. In 1953, he moved to the farmlands of Pennsylvania, where he opened the Bertoia Studios. His work still continues under his son Val's supervision, who has kept his tradition of sound exploration and experimental sculpture alive. The recent interest in Bertoia is accelerated due to his past experiments in the field of ambient sound, and the re-evaluation of the relationships between the visual arts and music. Recordings Bertoia made in the early 70's, place him solidly in the vanguard of contemporary composers, more than twenty years before the public's awareness and acceptance of this field of music. Bertoia called his music "Sonambient" and recorded over eleven full-length albums, and most will be available at the Book Beat exhibit. The Book Beat Gallery is located at 26010 Greenfield, in Oak Park. Call 248-968-1190 for more information. Specializing in fine art and photography The Book Beat Gallery, 26010 Greenfield, Oak Park, MI 48237 Ph: 248-968-1190 fax: 248-968-3102 Perfect Sound Forever online music magazine xxxxxxx-xxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx http://www.furious.com/perfect