Niagara University, New York: November 25, 2024 – Castellani Art Museum of
Niagara University proudly announces Tradition Now, a landmark exhibition
showcasing the enduring and transformative power of cultural heritage. Opening on
December 5, 2024, and running through November 1, 2026, Tradition Now invites
audiences to explore the ways in which artists reimagine and reinterpret cultural
legacies, creating dynamic connections between the past and present.
The exhibition features a stunning array of works by master artists such as Wilfredo
Lam, Ye Zuibai, and Utagawa Hiroshige, alongside contemporary innovators like
Endi Poskovic. Highlights include Wilfredo Lam’s Untitled (1972), a surrealist
exploration of Afro-Caribbean spirituality, and Ye Zuibai’s Wild Horses (n.d.), which
captures the strength and perseverance symbolized by horses in Chinese art.
Jennifer Hnat-Glenn’s Goose Egg Pisanka (2021) celebrates the intricate Ukrainian
tradition of Easter egg decoration, while Charles Simonds’ Ritual Place (1979)
transports viewers to the imagined rituals of an ancient civilization.
“Cultural heritage serves as a bridge between the past and the present,” said Edward
Millar, CAM’s Folk Arts Curator. “Through Tradition Now, we invite visitors to explore
how culture inspires artistic expression, connecting us to our shared histories while
forging new paths for the future.”
Organized into three thematic sections—Symbols & Motifs, Technique & Process, and
Rituals, Festivals, and Customs—the exhibition offers an in-depth exploration of how
traditional techniques, motifs, and cultural practices inspire artistic innovation.
Through this vibrant collection, Tradition Now underscores the adaptability of
human creativity and the timeless relevance of cultural heritage.
Tradition Now will debut during a special opening reception on December 5, 2024.
This event will also celebrate the openings of Beyond Numbers and Where No
Words Exist, exhibitions exploring the intersections of mathematics, language, and
aesthetics. Guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments and connect with students,
faculty, and members of the local community.
About the Castellani Art Museum:
With learning and public access at the heart of its mission, CAM is the premiere
resource for the visual arts in Niagara County. The Museum’s permanent collection
includes over 5,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art, Niagara Falls art, and
regional Folk Arts. CAM is committed to the preservation of these artworks, along
with offering exhibitions and programs that serve the campus, local communities,
and tourists. For more information on the CAM, please visit
www.castellaniartmuseum.org, and follow CAM’s Facebook page, X @CAM_of_NU
and Instagram @CastellaniArtMuseum.