Sayaka Ganz Sculpture Exhibition “Reclaimed Creations” Opens June 28 at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center
Artist Sayaka Ganz aims to impart new life to discarded common objects by transforming them into wildlife forms in full motion.
Stamford, Conn. – Stamford Museum & Nature Center is pleased to present “Reclaimed Creations,” an exhibition of 10 sculptures & collotype prints by Sayaka Ganz. The internationally recognized artist uses reclaimed plastic household objects like brush strokes to give her large-scale sculptures the illusion of form and motion.
The exhibition will be on view in the Stamford Museum’s Bendel Galleries from Friday, June 28 through Monday, September 2, 2019. The artist will join the public for the opening reception held at the museum on Thursday, June 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
A native of Japan and self-described “3-D Impressionist,” Ganz’s unique creations appear visibly unified at a distance, while separate at close proximity. “When observing my sculptures up close, one might see gaps, holes and items being held on only by small points,” says Ganz. “Step away, however, and the sculptures reveal the harmony created when the objects are aligned to the same general direction.” She says her work symbolizes how we gain perspective when distancing ourselves from current problems to consider the larger picture. “Although we may approach the problem from different angles, we often have larger goals in common.”
The artist aims to impart new life to common objects by transforming them into wildlife forms in full motion – including galloping horses, soaring birds, swimming polar bears, and “Uta” a humpbacked whale. Having grown up with the Shinto animist belief that all things in the world have spirits, Ganz says her work comes from a place of sympathy. “When I see discarded items on the street or thrift store shelves, I feel a deep sadness for them,” says Ganz. “I am moved to make these abandoned objects happy.”
“I believe the power of this exhibition lies in the connection between the subject and the medium,” said Jillian Casey, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions for Stamford Museum & Nature Center. “There is a certain message Ganz conveys by juxtaposing common plastic objects with uncommon wildlife subjects. By creating beautiful forms from items that have been discarded, she illustrates our impact on the natural world, and the key role we play in our ecosystem and environment.”
“Beyond bringing this beautiful nature-based exhibition to the community for the summer, we’re delighted to host the artist as well,” said Melissa Mulrooney, the not-for-profit organization’s Executive Director and CEO. “We encourage the public to join us for our opening reception to hear Ms. Ganz speak about her work, inspiration and distinct point of view, firsthand.”
Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity and interaction, seeking to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibitions, educational programs, and special events that enhance the visitor’s experience of our unique site.
Getting there
Stamford Museum & Nature Center is located at 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT (3/4 mile North of Merritt Parkway Exit 35.) For more information call 203.322.1646 or visit www.stamfordmuseum.org.
Produced by David J. Wagner, L.L.C.
David J. Wagner, Ph.D., Curator/Tour Director