Culture
‘2 + 3 x 18’ Exhibition Showcases 18 Contemporary Ohio Artists
By: Emily Votaw
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Through October 25, 2020, the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio (145 East Main Street, Lancaster) will showcase 2 + 3 x 18, an exhibition of diptychs (two-paneled pieces) and triptychs (three-paneled pieces) by 18 contemporary Ohio artists, curated by Dr. Christine Fowler Shearer.
“Diptychs and triptychs actually have a very long history, going back to ancient times,” said Shearer. “What they used to be was two or three panels that were hinged together and closed like a book.”
The diptychs and triptychs that make up 2 +3 x 18 are crafted from a variety of mediums and utilize the form to create juxtapositions that lead to more nuanced interpretations of the works.
“Sometimes one piece is not enough to get the whole idea across,” said Shearer, noting the importance of a sense of narrative in deciphering the works. “When you are limited to one aspect of a story, it becomes very one dimensional — whereas if you have multiple pieces that sort of explain it, visualize it, however you want to look at it, in a more elaborate way, it tells more of a story.”
Listen to WOUB’s conversation with Shearer about the exhibition embedded above.
The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio has worked to make modifications to the exhibition viewing experience to decrease COVID-19 transmission risk at the museum. This includes mandatory face masking for all visitors with free masks available in the museum lobby. The number of visitors in the museum is limited at all times. Guests are also asked to observe social distancing guidelines, maintaining at least six feet between themselves and other guests, while visiting the museum. Additionally, the museum has updated cleaning and sanitation protocols.
Admission to the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio is always free, and temporary hours for the museum are currently Wednesday – Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.; with special senior hours Wednesday - Friday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.