Three LSU art galleries are collaborating to hold exhibits showcasing the retrospective works of nationally renowned artist Peter Shire from Jan. 31 to April 14.
The LSU Museum of Art, the LSU School of Art Alfred C. Glassell Jr. Exhibition Gallery and the LSU Student Union Art Gallery will individually show their exhibits, and when viewed together, will give the viewer an in-depth look at Shire’s work over the past four decades.
Shire is from Los Angeles and graduated from the prestigious Chouinard Art Institute. He has had more than 100 exhibitions and has his work in more than 35 museums worldwide. Shire’s focus is on taking mundane household objects and transforming them into something unusual. Shire recently received 2013 Nadine Carter Russell Endowed Chair, which is a rotating residency within the LSU College of Art and Design.
“For the past 30 years, Peter Shire has created furniture bursting with unconventional funkiness and vessels with eccentric personalities,” said LSU Museum of Art Curator Natalie Mault.
One of Shire’s best-known works for the Memphis Group is his “Bel Air” chair, which was made in 1981. On display at the LSU Museum of Art, the shape of the chair itself is reminiscent of a beach ball and the back of the chair gives the illusion of a shark win or a wave. This chair will be shown along with many other works, which were produced from 1980 to 2009.
“We chose Peter Shire because his work covers so many different areas. He is one of LA’s hottest artists and is a very prolific designer,” said Kitty Pheney, LSU School of Arts representative.
In addition to the exhibits, the LSU Museum of Art will also be conducting a series of lectures, workshops and interactive school tours for all ages in order to get a deeper understanding of the retrospective exhibit. Shire will hold a “Gallery Talk” on March 2 at 2 p.m., where he will tour the gallery and discuss his work.
“For the past 30 years, Peter Shire has created furniture bursting with unconventional funkiness and vessels with eccentric personalities.”
