The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) announces the opening of their Fall/Winter Exhibitions on view September 16, 2017 through February 11, 2018 featuring an exclusive on-site installation; Wayne White: MONITORIUM.
Artist, designer, author, entertainer and the subject of the 2012 documentary, Beauty is Embarrassing, Wayne White explores the 1862 Battle of Hampton Roads through a multi-media installation of the first battle of ironclad ships. Focusing on the intimate, human side of this game-changing moment in US naval history, the Union’s USS Monitor will set the stage for White’s dynamic exhibition.
White’s experience as set and character designer for shows like Pee-Wee’s Playhouse and music video art direction for The Smashing Pumpkins and Peter Gabriel will transform MOCA’s TowneBank Galleries into an evocative world of maritime wonder. Monumental-sized puppets, props, dramatic lighting, and sound will carve out White’s unique perspective, featuring individuals who helped shape the Monitor’s history.
The Mariners’ Museum and NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary have been instrumental partners in facilitating the veracity of White’s vision, providing history, facts, and data (and in one case — sound) about the USS Monitor.
Alongside MONITORIUM is Small Works, Tall Tales featuring small scale sculpture from Virginia artists: Kim Overstreet and Robin Kranitzky, Wade Mickley, Deborah G. Rogers, Robin and Julia Rogers, Tracey St. Peter, John Tobin, and Aggie Zed.
Wayne White: MONITORIUM is made possible by support from the members of MOCA’s Chairman’s Circle.
For more information about the exhibitions, visit MOCA’s website at VirginiaMOCA.org.
Wayne White: MONITORIUM continues at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (2200 Parks Avenue, Virginia Beach, Virginia) through February 11.
