“Visions in New York City,” the exhibition of short films and videos mounted at the Macy Art Gallery and Milbank Chapel in November, was selected for inclusion at the eighth annual Art Basel-Miami Verge Fair, which ran from December 3-6. “Visions” features the work of recognized and emergent artists including several pieces by TC students, alumni and professors. It was curated by faculty member, Maurizio Pellegrin, a world-renowned artist and teacher whose own works have been shown internationally in venues ranging from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in his native Venice to Estudio de Arte Contemporaneo Jiménez in Mexico City, as well as at New York’s Museum of Modern Art and the Corcoran Art Gallery in Washington, D.C.

The “Visions” show juxtaposes the unique vision of 83 multinational artists. “It is about what people simply are, what they would like to be, what they believe to be,” says Pellegrin, who culled through hundreds of submissions in his quest to showcase visionary expressions. “The show is part of a large survey of all the arts and media. I wanted to present a contemporary survey of video by less-well known artists and not repeat the kind of exhibition being held in major museums or galleries.”

 

The move to Art Basel-Miami marks the first time a show created for Teachers College has been invited to participate in an exhibition of such international significance.

 

“This is thrilling!” says Judy Burton, Director of the Program in Art and Art Education. “We are all very excited that ‘Visions,’ which began life as a class project and had its first showing in our Macy Art Gallery, was featured at such a prestigious venue as Art Basel. This is a great accolade for our students and Maurizio, and they are now collaborating on their next video shorts project.”

 

Co-curator, artist and TC student Heather Van Uxem adds, “It is amazing to see the growth and success of the show expand to such great heights as Art Basel in Miami!”

 

One of the preeminent contemporary art shows in America, Art Basel-Miami provides a showcase for leading international galleries, complemented by special exhibitions and events featuring film, architecture and design. It attracts top-notch talent and the cognoscenti of contemporary art—not to mention a host of celebrities.

 

“I feel honored—and a bit unworthy—to have this piece in the company of so many marvelous films,” says Lisa Farmer, a TC Ed.M. student who is also the College’s Associate Director of Publications. Farmer’s work, “Studio,” made the final cut at Basel. “I have been a media professional producing art and photography books and magazines for over 13 years. Not until I enrolled at TC did I have the opportunity to really challenge myself in making pieces. And to be exhibited at Art Basel, in my hometown of Miami, is more than I could have ever wished.”

 

More information about “Visions in New York City,” its artists and its catalogue can be found at www.visionsinnyc.com.