Freeman's to display "The Past Was Always Better" works by
PAFA scholarship winner Robert Scobey
August 5, 2010- Freeman’s is pleased to announce the exhibition of the 2008 Samuel T. Freeman Memorial Scholarship recipient, Robert Scobey. The scholarship of $10,000 was awarded to an outstanding student at the Academy entering his or her second and final year of graduate study. Robert is the 8th recipient of this award. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Lipscomb University in 2002 and completed his MFA at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. His work is made using a wide range of mediums, including video installation, sculpture, paintings, drawings and photographs.
This exhibition focuses largely on his work with ready-made books. “I see the books as archaeological terrains and landscapes. They are about hiding and revealing, and after I excavate them, they often create strange and ambiguous narratives. Books relate to memory and the ways we remember. The book still exists, but it exists as a ruin. As the book approaches obsolescence, literature, history and knowledge remain embodied inside of litter.” His work examines meaning that lies within and behind the object. Can anything be taken away after viewing this object that has any value? On the other hand, the work itself becomes a mirror, and the viewer is left with the task of making out what parts of the reflection staring back look familiar as parts of the self. It is for this reason, Robert believes, that art is still important. It brings into focus aspects of our being that cannot be made visible in any other way.
The exhibition opens today, August 5th and will be open through August 19th. Visitors are welcome from 10am-5pm. Closed Saturdays and Sundays in the summer. In conjunction with First Fridays, the artist is hosting a preview Friday, August 6th from 5pm-8pm.
For further information please contact:
Lily Stone at 267.414.1240 or email: lstone@freemansauction.com
About Freeman’s
Founded in 1805, Samuel T. Freeman & Co has upheld an exemplary role as America’s oldest auction house. Freeman's has a unique history, preserving its family business and traditions for over 200 years, and is changing with the times to maintain its position in today's thriving art market. Located on Chestnut Street in the center of Philadelphia, Freeman's offers over 30 auctions a year in categories including: American Furniture, Decorative & Folk Art, English & Continental Furniture & Decorative Arts, Asian Arts, Fine American & European Paintings, Modern and Contemporary Art, Rare Books, Fine Prints, Oriental Rugs, Fine Jewelry & Silver, Pop Culture and 20th / 21st Century Design.Freeman's offers a full range of appraisal services from insurance, probate, family division, charitable contribution, gift, and divorce to inventory and insurance loss. For more information, visit www.freemansauction.com or contact 267.414.1240.