“The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) is pleased to present, a career survey of the preeminent sculptor Martin Puryear (American, b. 1941). For more than half a century, Puryear has captivated the public with works of astonishing beauty and elaborate craftsmanship whose sources of inspiration range from global cultures and social history to the natural world. Co-organized with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), Martin Puryear: Nexus is the first comprehensive exhibition of the artist’s work in nearly two decades. Assembling some 50 works from across Puryear’s career, the exhibition focuses on his use of a rich variety of materials and media—from sculptures in wood, rawhide, glass, marble, and metal, to rarely shown drawings, prints, and maquettes.” — The Cleveland Museum of Art

“Martin Puryear is best known for his sculptures, which are startingly beautiful abstract forms. But beyond their beauty, these works invite us to see with fresh eyes the world that we inhabit—they are timeless and contemporary all at once,” reflected Emily Liebert, Lauren Rich Fine Curator of Contemporary Art and Chair of Art of the Americas and Modern and Contemporary Art. “Puryear’s hands have been on every sculpture that leaves his studio. The thought, care, and precision lavished on each work of art by its maker is palpable.”

Gallery views of Martin Puryear: Nexus © Martin Puryear, Courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery. Photos by Shelly Duncan.

The exhibition is co-curated by Emily Liebert, Lauren Rich Fine Curator of Contemporary Art and Chair of Art of the Americas and Modern and Contemporary Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art, and Reto Thüring, Head of Culture at the Foundation for Art, Culture, and History in Winterthur, Switzerland and former Beal Family Chair, Department of Contemporary Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston with Gabriella Shypula, Leigh and Mary Carter Director’s Research Fellow, The Cleveland Museum of Art. The MFA’s presentation is organized by Ian Alteveer, Beal Family Chair, Department of Contemporary Art with Daisy Alejandre, Curatorial Assistant, Contemporary Art. The High’s presentation is organized by Michael Rooks, Wieland Family Senior Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art.

Images courtesy The Cleveland Museum of Art.