Mattatuck Exhibition Showcases Two Diverse Artistic Styles

WATERBURY — With “Polarities: The Art of Danielle Mailer and Trim Prentice,” The Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center has brought together two artists’ work in a dynamic exhibition of contrast. The harmonious and elegant sculptures of Tim Prentice are set beside the vividly colored and exuberant paintings of Danielle Mailer, creating interplay between their divergent approaches to art-making.

More than 25 works – some that move, some that jump, and some that tell a story — are on view at the museum until September 6.

Tim Prentice is a nationally renowned sculptor from Cornwall known for his beautifully balanced sculptures that float and shimmer in the currents of the air. He earned a master’s degree in architecture from Yale University, and co-founded an award-winning architectural firm before establishing a studio to create kinetic sculpture.

Mr Prentice has completed installations in Japan, Korea, Northern Ireland and Australia, thereby establishing a significant international reputation. His work has been exhibited in such public venues as the New York Public Library, Chesterwood, Jacob’s Pillow, Bradley Airport, and the Aldrich Museum.

“In my current work in kinetic sculpture, I am trying to concentrate on the movement, rather than the object,” said the artist. “The engineer in me wants to minimize friction and inertia to make the air visible. The architect studies matters of scale and proportion. The navigator and sailor want to know the strength and direction of the wind. The artist wants to understand its changing shape.  Meanwhile, the child wants to play.”

From her studio in West Cornwall, painter Danielle Mailer creates works filled with symbols that refer to her heritage and family. Part autobiographical, part mythological and spiritual, her figures combine threads of her consciousness in a joyful explosion of pattern and color much in the style of Matisse and Chagall whom she counts as her influencers.

Ms Mailer earned a bachelor of arts degree from Bowdoin College, and studied graphic design and illustration at the School of Visual Art and painting at the New York Studio School.

The Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center is operated with support from the Connecticut Commission on Cultural & Tourism, and is a member of Connecticut Art Trail, 15 world-class museums and historic sites (ArtTrail.org).

Located at 144 West Main Street, Waterbury, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from noon to 5 pm. Convenient, free parking is located directly behind the museum on Park Place.

For more information about this exhibition, the museum’s collections, and other programs, call 203-753-0381 extension 10 or visit MattatuckMuseum.org.