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Recent Acquisitions Releases Press Release Archive |
Talented Couple Brings New Vision to TMA Tyler, TX—The best marriages are a blending of talents, time and TLC—tender loving care. The newest exhibition at the Tyler Museum of Art epitomizes that successful blend in art. Gisela-Heidi and Jürgen Strunck: Sculptures and Prints focuses on the varied works of this German-born couple who now live in Dallas. Heidi, a sculptor, creates objects echoing architectural forms and religious symbols with varieties of woods, copper fittings, metallic floss, colored paper and other materials. Her recent works are heavily influenced by her travels in India. Jürgen, a printmaker, pursues his unique method of using a cone-shaped roller, stencils and a special printing table. His creations are dense and saturated prints in soft geometric patterns of color on richly textured Japanese paper. “If there is a common element in both of their works, it is the sense of religiosity stemming from very different personalities who nonetheless share a common goal in living together: they are husband and wife dedicated to art,” explained Ken Tomio, Tyler Museum of Art curator. “Heidi's works featured in this exhibition will include earlier works as well as recent pieces executed after the artist lost most of her sight in 2003. These works are the miracle of her will to make art, which would not be possible if it were not for Jürgen's help,” he added. Since Heidi cannot completely see her creations, Tomio said Jürgen assists his wife “more to feel the sculptural pieces that constitute her finished work. Working in the new enabling environment, Heidi's creativity is transforming her sculptures into artwork which stimulate the tactile memories of the viewer as well as the visual sense.” “Since losing my eyesight in 2003, contrasts and the tactile qualities of materials such as copper, metallic floss and various woods have become more important,” Heidi said. “The search for a path through my life provides the theme for my latest sculptures. I think of my works as spiritual. I hope that through their rich materials and colors, and through their careful finish, I am conveying my love of art.” Tomio said Jürgen, for his part, “is pushing against the outer limits of printmaking,” following a path in contemporary art he set for himself over two decades ago to open new vistas in his chosen media. In addition, Jürgen has taught art at the University of Dallas since 1968. Like Heidi, he has presented his work in numerous exhibitions, both solo and group shows, and his prints can be found in such eminent collections as the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the National Academy of Design (New York) and many others. The exhibition, which opened March 10 and will be on display in the TMA’s Bell Gallery through May 14, was organized by the Tyler Museum of Art. Several special events are scheduled in conjunction with the exhibition including a First Friday Art Tour April 7 at 11 a.m. on “Jürgen Strunck: Prints,” a First Friday Art Tour May 5 at 11 a.m. on “Gisela-Heidi Strunck: Sculptures,” and an Artists Reception and Gallery Talk May 6 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please make reservations for any of these events by calling the TMA at (903)595-1001. |