By Alicia Taylor-Domville
To commemorate its grand reopening, the Godwin-Ternbach Museum at Queens College’s Kupferberg Center for the Arts will exhibit work from Swiss abstract artist Herman Alfred Sigg, better known as H.A. Sigg.
The Godwin-Ternbach Museum began as a teaching tool for students studying art and art history and has now grown to house more than 5,000 pieces from ancient to modern times. It is the only comprehensive collection of arts and artifacts in Queens.
In 2010, the museum underwent a two-phase extensive renovation. Phase 1 consisted of repainting Colden Auditorium and replacing the seats in Colden and the Goldstein Theatre. Phase 2 consisted of upgrades that were designed to enhance the audience experience in the Kupferberg arts complex.
Some of the enhancements included a state-of-the-art exterior and interior lighting, handicapped-accessibility upgrades and enlarged lobbies, to name a few.
During the exhibit, the museum will be unveiling the new “Lobby Gallery” that will have rotating displays from its permanent collection.
The H.A. Sigg exhibit will contain about 40 paintings and an abundance of collages that celebrate the artist’s long career.
Sigg was born outside Zurich, Switzerland, in 1924. In his 20s he went to study cubism with theorist Andre Lhote. At age 88, Sigg is still creating art and his work has been on display throughout the United States and Europe.
His work has been purchased by many major collectors and institutions, such as the Betchler Family Collections and Pfizer Inc. in New York. He remains more popular in Europe than America.
Sigg’s works is well-represented and respected by the popular Kouros Gallery in Manhattan. The Godwin-Ternbach exhibit is his largest to date, giving local audiences the chance to view and learn more about him and his art.
“The museum’s abundant, soaring space will allow viewers to experience Sigg’s elegant abstract paintings to their fullest,” said Amy Winter, director of the Godwin-Ternbach Museum and curator of the show. “The Godwin-Ternbach Museum is honored to be the setting for Sigg’s profoundly beautiful works and the stage for presenting his rich legacy.”
Winter has composed a 12-page article about Sigg’s work, which can be found at hasigg.com/gtm.
The exhibit started Sept. 10 and will run until Oct. 26.
Alongside the H.A. Sigg exhibit will be “Representing South Asia,” a festival of Indian cinema. This festival is part of Queens College’s Year of India program, hosted by the Godwin-Ternbach Museum. The series began on Sept. 12 and presents free viewing of 16 different films open to the public. It will run through the academic year.
For more information on any of these events, call 718-997-4747.
