The Hibel Museum of Art and the Florida Atlantic University Presents:
Perceptions of Beauty:
An artistic Photographic Expression of Antique Fans
A new medium of art will make its debut on February 25, 2010 at the Hibel Museum, where art, antiques, fashion and photography collide in a harmonious exhibition featuring the creative expression of newcomer, yet “old soul” Michael Metzner. The exhibit will showcase the new work of this unique artist who has an instinctive sense of what the Greek Goddess Athena embodied, revealing his own
interpretation of “PhotARTgraphy”!
Michael’s photographic works depict a priceless collection of hand-painted fans from the museum’s rare treasures. But the captivating element is how the artist photographer tells a story with each photo, involving a model and environmental accents that take the work to another dimension. As Michael shares his vision: “I express the essence, and transcend it into the extraordinary”, surely the riveting results deliver on that statement.
The collection is comprised of 17th and 18th century hand-painted antique fans, each a work of art unto itself. There are a variety of sizes, motifs and materials, including Oriental, Egyptian, tortoise shell, Victorian, Italian, ivory and so many more. The museum loaned the collection to Michael for this photographic journey, which is a study of periods, including models handling the fans and wearing costumes from various eras. At times, it seems the model and fan are simply floating in the midst.
The hand fan was an ancient ritual that was often a sacred instrument, used in religious ceremonies and was seen as a symbol of power, wealth and class. The value of fans was sometimes as rare as precious jewels. Legends evolved around the lore of hand fans, and even the way a fan was held communicated sultry messages in past époques. Metzner considered all of these aspects of the meaning of fans in his expressions.
Not only with the museum’s art and Metzner’s exhibition tantalize the senses, but the February 25 opening night “Vernissage” of the exhibit will include a Reception featuring artistic creations by Kelly’s Catering to please the palate. Wines will be provided to lift the spirit of guests, along with the delicate sounds of the harp by world-renowned Charlene Conner.
A special dedication will be made to Edna Hibel in celebration of her 93rd birthday. The beloved local acclaimed artist whose work has been ever-renewing for over Nine Decades will receive a tribute from her friends and collectors.
This is the first time another artist has been invited to stage a one-man exhibition alongside Hibel’s Masterpieces. Metzner was born in New York, where he lived for thirteen years before relocating to Wellington, Florida five years ago. Michael graduated high school from Wellington Christian School in 2008 and is currently pursuing degrees in both Biological Chemistry and Art at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College in Jupiter, Florida, and currently has an internship with The Scripps Research Institute
Michael has always been fascinated by the art of photography, but did not get his first camera until Christmas 2007. After spending one year learning about his new hobby, Michael began to take it seriously after he won the Home Grown Artist award in 2009 ArtiGras, a nationally recognized art show, and was featured on ABC as one of the artists selected for this amazing honor. Since then, Michael has continued to enjoy great success in photography. He was a finalist in the Nikon’s “College Photography Competition,” and saw one of his photographs published in the book, Best of College Photography 2009, printed in June 2009. He is currently working on a project called, “Perceptions of Beauty,” which explores the many different points of view that exist on what constitutes “beauty”. In the spring of 2010, Michael will have a number of his photographs displayed in a travelling art exhibit at Penn State University. His self-published magazine, MW, will be printed at some point during the summer of 2010 and will contain all of his work that relates to this conceptual project. Man of many talents, he is also an accomplished pianist.
Michael notes that he has many people to thank for supporting him in his endeavors. He credits his parents and grandparents for being instrumental in his success and supporting him in all his endeavors. Michael’s art professor, Dorotha Lemeh, has encouraged and enabled him to view the world in a completely new way and has truly inspired him. Michael also says that he has to thank God, both for giving him the strength to conquer each obstacle that comes his way and for creating each and every subject that Michael photographs. “I am truly blessed to have all of these amazing people in my life and I hope that my passion and love for photography and people comes through in my photographs” says Michael Metzner.
The exhibit will be displayed from February 25 through until March 6, 2010. The “Vernissage” opening night reception will be held February 25 from 6:30-8:30 pm at The Hibel Museum, located in Abacoa, Jupiter. It is tucked back on the corner of University and Main Street on the Florida Atlantic University John D. MacArthur campus. Valet parking will be available. Admission is complimentary, but proceeds from sales will go to Art Scholarships for underprivileged children. The Hibel Museum of Art (a non-profit 501c3, surviving solely on donations from the public) greatly appreciates all donations. RSVP by February 19 to 561-622-5560.
