Herbert Ferber | Space in Tension | Thru July 29

Abstract Expressionist sculptor and painter Herbert Ferber (American, 1906–1991) was one of the New York School’s most original artists. Known as the founder of “sculpture as environment,” Ferber created one of the first fully-immersive sculptural installations, which was presented at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1961. This retrospective exhibition includes Ferber’s internationally-recognized direct-metal sculptures and a selection of his energetic paintings.

Ferber is most recognized for his sculpture, characterized as powerfully “piercing” space. They are open, hollow forms that often suggest forces in conflict. Spanning six decades―from the mid-1940s to 1990―this exhibition showcases more than 40 works in sculpture and painting, many never before exhibited. Herbert Ferber: Space in Tension demonstrates the Abstract Expressionist artist’s sculptural practice developed slowly and thoughtfully, incorporating elements of Surrealism, social realism, and expressionism.

This exhibition was organized by the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida.

Major support provided by Iris and Adam Singer. Support for the Wadsworth Atheneum provided in part by Newman’s Own Foundation and the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s United Arts Campaign.

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About The Wadsworth

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is the oldest continuously-operating public art museum in the United States, founded in 1842 by arts patron Daniel Wadsworth.

Since opening its doors to the public in 1844, the Wadsworth Atheneum has paved the way for encyclopedic museums across the country, and has a rich legacy of Firsts. It was the first museum in America to purchase works by Caravaggio, Frederic Church, Joseph Cornell, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miró, and was the first in the country to exhibit major surveys of works by Italian Baroque masters, Surrealists, and Picasso.

Progressing Daniel Wadsworth’s vision, the museum’s collection has grown to hold approximately 50,000 works of art that span 5,000 years. Highlights include the Morgan collection of Greek and Roman antiquities and European decorative arts; world-renowned Baroque and Surrealist paintings; an unsurpassed collection of Hudson River School landscapes; European and American Impressionist paintings; Modernist masterpieces; the Serge Lifar collecton of Ballets Russes drawings and costumes; the George A. Gay collection of prints; the Wallace Nutting collection of American colonial furniture and decorative arts; the Samuel Colt firearms collection; costumes and textiles; African American art and artifacts; and contemporary art.

The Wadsworth Atheneum underwent a major renovation from 2010 through 2015. The $33 million project renewed the museum’s historic structures and added 17 new gallery spaces—nearly 16,000 square feet of exhibition space—to the building’s existing footprint for an improved visitor experience.

Regular Hours

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 11 am – 5 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm

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