ECO Ephemeral
This thesis essay and accompanying exhibition approach environmental concerns through an art historical perspective by considering works of art by Thomas Ferrella, M.D. and artists’ books from Special Collections at UW-Milwaukee Libraries. The exhibition evades conventional boundaries of galleries in order to present artists’ books in their intended manner and to display Ferrella’s outdoor installations in context with UWM’s award-winning sustainability initiatives. The results exemplify how we shape earth and in turn how our actions upon earth impact us, emphasizing human interdependence on fragile ecosystems. Ferrella’s artworks and medical expertise in combination with the content in the artists’ books and UWM sustainability initiatives argue for a holistic approach to environmentalism that is yet to be embraced by much of the world’s human population.
Please also see the interactive walking tour map at bit.ly/ECO-MAP.
To learn more about Thomas Ferrella's work, please visit www.ferrella.com.
Credits
ECO Ephemeral is a thesis exhibition curated by Pamela Caserta Hugdahl, a graduate student in the UWM Department of Art History and Certificate Programs in Art Museum Studies and Nonprofit Management. Jennifer Johung, Professor of Art History, and Max Yela, Head of Special Collections, oversaw the complete thesis project. The exhibition was adapted for Omeka with support from Anna Michelle Martinez-Montavon. Artworks by Thomas Ferrella are on campus during the formal exhibition period, from September 12 - October 10, 2016. Exhibition and accompanying catalogue made possible by the Jeffrey R. Hayes Graduate Research Award, granted through the Department of Art History, and by Jan Serr and John Shannon.