Written by Katelyn Myrick. Photo by Katelyn Myrick.
The Telfair museums have three main buildings, the Jepson Center for the Arts, The Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters and Telfair Academy. The Jepson Center for the Arts is the newest building which was proposed in 1998. As of its opening in 2006, it showcases the future of art and architecture. Different from the other buildings because of its modern appearance it stands out on 207 W York Street. More of an educational and learning museum it caters mostly to young children but also to individuals ranging in ages. There was a two-year controversy with the project because of its overly modernized glass structure that took away from the city’s old landscape. Moshe Safdie and Associates were chosen to build and design this wonderful building. They described it as, “vital, contemporary and appropriate to the expression of art to come.” Within the Jepson Center they collect, exhibit and educate visitors about art, history and architecture. Currently, there are wonderful exhibits highlighting both history and the present day.
One exhibit that’s currently on display until May 21 is “Photography’s Last Century.” This extraordinary collection includes photography from some of the best including Diane Arbus, Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol and many others. A more present-day exhibit that merges with the future is “Anything Goes: Contemporary Art and Materials” which highlights the use and combinations of mixed media in a way that’s much more complex than just paint and chalk. Pulling from the museum’s private collection, curator Erica Dunn wanted to highlight the artists who take everyday objects and turn them into art. From roof shingles and cardboard to glitter and bicycle wheels which are all used in junction to curate pieces of art that have the flow and are reminiscent of Pablo Picasso and Robert Rauschenberg.
An on-site specific installation that can be seen through the windows on Barnard Street is from artist Tafy LaPlanche. Tafy LaPlanche is an Afro-Latina portrait artist, her deep and intriguing installation titled “N/um,” is inspired by her native Haitian culture and focuses on sharing the ritual of the healing dance in voodoo. With five paintings on view, they each incorporate botanicals and parts of the body that are suffering and explain how the healing practices of this dance releases energy that is built up. For more information on how long these exhibits are up for display as well as interviews with some of the artists visit the Jepson Center’s website.
