Mira Lehr: High Water Mark at Mennello Museum of American Art, through September, 2020

“Mira Lehr’s entire career as an artist has focused on the natural world and our relationship with our surroundings. Her residence in Miami, with a studio nestled right on the water, has unmistakably navigated her work toward the waterways and open ocean that form a unique and integral part of a life in Florida.

A ‘high water mark’ indicates a literal measurement for the highest point the water level reaches in a given area at a particular time. However, alternate meanings of the term suggest maximum value in various other sectors of life. It seems fitting, then, that this phrase should be applied to the work of an artist whose career spans five decades, building ever forward toward a well-earned new heights. Lehr’s recent work has been lauded by critics for the meaningful and contemplative commentary she offers on a timely and contentious subject — the state of our natural world.” — Mennello Museum of American Art

“Mira’s sense of wonder and faith in humanity’s ability to rise to the occasion with solutions, guides both her life and work.  It is precisely this character trait that inspired the theme of this exhibition, High Water Mark.” She continues, “The experience of standing in the gallery, surrounded on all sides by the expansive panel painting, Siren’s Song, is not unlike visiting an aquarium viewing area, with windows granting vistas of mysterious underwater life.” — Ginger Gregg Duggan, Guest Curator

07. Magenta and Green Mangroves

Magenta and Green Mangroves, 72”x62”. Burned and dyed Japanese paper, ink, ignited fuses and gunpowder on canvas. Courtesy of the artist.

08. Installation image

Installation view of the exhibition High Water Mark at the Mennello Museum of American Art.

10. Installation image

Installation view of the exhibition High Water Mark at the Mennello Museum of American Art.

09. Mangroves - The Protectors

Mangroves – The Protectors. Dimensions Variable. Rope, steel, wire, burned and dyed Japanese paper. Courtesy of the artist.

22. Mangroves - The Protectors

Mangroves – The Protectors (detail). Dimensions Variable. Rope, steel, wire, burned and dyed Japanese paper. Courtesy of the artist.

11. Beachwalk Dusk

Beachwalk Dusk, 60”x72”. Burned and dyed Japanese paper, Japanese ink and acrylic on canvas. Courtesy of the artist.

23. Mixing Currents

Mixing Currents, 2018. Dimensions Variable. Halide bulbs, assorted incandescent bulbs, video, cables, wire.

19. Creation

Creation, 2018 96”x144”. Silver emulsion on panel, ignited gunpowder, burned and dyed Japanese paper and acrylic on wood panel. Courtesy of the artist.

02. 1969-02-World GameVersion1

The creative pioneers chosen by Buckminster Fuller for his 1969 World Game. Courtesy of the artist.

25. Patterns of Energy

Patterns of Energy, 15”x12”. Pigment print from Mira Lehr’s book honoring Buckminster Fuller’s 1969 World Game. Courtesy of the artist.

26. Universal Patterns

Universal Patterns, 15” x 12”. Pigment print from Mira Lehr’s book honoring Buckminster Fuller’s 1969 World Game. Courtesy of the artist.

27. Malthus is Wrong

Malthus is Wrong, 15”x12”. Pigment print – from Mira Lehr’s book honoring Buckminster Fuller’s 1969 World Game. Courtesy of the artist.

28. Mind and Brain

Mind and Brain, 15”x12”. Pigment print from Mira Lehr’s book honoring Buckminster Fuller’s 1969 World Game. Courtesy of the artist.

01-Mira Lehr HD Portrait

Mira Lehr Portrait

Exhibition was curated by guest curator Ginger Gregg Duggan.

Images courtesy Mennello Museum of American Art, Orlando, Florida.