Life's Rich Pageant: A Centennial Celebration of The Eight

Life's Rich Pageant: A Centennial Celebration of The Eight

Friday, September 12, 2008 – Sunday, January 4, 2009

GALLERY 6

Exhibition opportunities for American artists in the first years of the 20th century were dominated almost exclusively by two New York institutions — the Society of American Artists and the National Academy of Design. In 1906, when the two merged, many thought the alliance would result in an annual exhibition equal in size and scope to the great Parisian salons. Despite the greater diversity promised by the merger, the work of many young realists differed so radically from the academicians that conflict was inevitable. In 1907, Robert Henri, a member of the selection jury, became angered by the jury's exclusion of several works by his friends as well as their dismissal of his own canvasses. At a meeting in his studio, he laid plans for a secessionist show. The Macbeth Gallery was willing to host it and on February 4, 1908, the show opened. Eight artists were included: Robert Henri (1865-1929), George Luks (1867-1933), William Glackens (1870-1938), John Sloan (1871-1951), Everett Shinn (1876-1953), Maurice Prendergast (1859-1924), Ernest Lawson (1873-1939) and Arthur Bowen Davies (1862-1928).

Thousands poured into the gallery to see the work. The group lacked stylistic cohesion but were unified in their stance against the academic establishment. The show at Macbeth was one of the most important events in the development of 20th century art, proving that a group of artists with strongly anti-academic sensibilities could attract wide public notice and financial success. Although they held only the one exhibition, the group became known as The Eight. Their exhibition challenged the concepts held dear by the academic community, reinvigorated interest in American Art and ushered in Modernism in painting. All of The Eight continue to be appreciated today — withstanding the test of time. Their exhibition came to stand for a triumph in pictorial realism.

This fall, the Asheville Art Museum is delighted to present works from all eight artists, celebrating the centennial anniversary of the 1908 show at the Macbeth Gallery. The exhibition showcases the collection of Mina and Stephen Weiner whose great affection for the group has fueled over forty years of collecting.

This exhibition is organized and curated by the Asheville Art Museum. This exhibition is sponsored by the Midgard Foundatin and in part by Thom Robinson and Ray Griffin.