A Short History of Decay
Sculpture b y James Welty

June 5-August 8, 2004

Exhibition Opening Reception
Friday, June 4
Gallery Talk by James Welty, 5:00
Reception, 5:30-7:30

Taking inspiration from the writer E.M. Cioran, whose aphoristic essays include the phrase "a short history of decay," sculptor James Welty has created a dynamic and intriguing body of work that explores the interconnections between nature, civilization, and human creativity. The exhibition features ten major sculptures, many completed in 2003, including a 45-foot horizontal wall-mounted work related to the Hell, or Ghost, Scrolls of twelfth century Japan, An illustrated catalogue accompanies the exhibition.

A Charlottesville resident, Welty received his B.F.A. from Rochester Institute of Technology, following studies at the Rustin School of Drawing in Oxford, England, and the Chicago Art Institute. He has worked as a lithography instructor at Evanston Art Center and a master printer and collaborator to Frank Stella. His prints and sculpture have been shown internationally, including the Museum's 2000 Hindsite-Fore-Site: Art for the New Millennium exhibition.