Abbott Miller’s Sideshow Arrives at Kean University

Works reflect the political and social climate in the U.S.

UNION, N.J. – From now through May 15, Abbott Miller's inaugural exhibition of Sideshow will be on display at the Karl and Helen Burger Gallery at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue. The exhibition’s name, Sideshow, is a reference to the bizarre and unprecedented culture of showmanship and improvisation in Washington, DC. The works in the exhibition incorporate politics with carnival and circus imagery.

"It is noteworthy that each work in the show references the artwork of other graphic artists, some contemporary, and others going back to the 19th century," said Neil Tetkowski, director of Kean Galleries. "Abbott Miller hired sign painters in Monterrey, Mexico, to realize the new works for this show at Kean University, which are certainly stirring up some controversy and stimulating conversations in the Burger Gallery."

The focal projects of the exhibition, The Wall, Monogram and Trumptych, are Abbott's response to the new administration’s controversial actions and statements on immigration, the role of the press, women’s rights and its isolationist policies.

“The painting of Trump’s ‘Person of the Year’ Time Magazine cover holds a lot more weight after the President’s election,” said Miller. “The majority of the text has been removed, leaving behind a suspiciously non-accidental ‘M’ behind Trump’s serene face, depicting devil horns. Deliberate or not, it reflected the majority of public opinion on his capability and intentions as President, leading to the start of vigorous meme creation and media attention.” 

Marco V. Garrido Félix helped coordinate the works with rótulistas (professional sign painters) in Mexico. The works are a collaboration between Miller and rótulistas Enrique Becerra, Diego Farías and Heriberto García Dávila.

Abbott Miller’s Sideshow

Now through May 15, 2017

Karl and Helen Burger Gallery

Kean University

1000 Morris Avenue
Union, N.J. 07083

Karl and Helen Burger Gallery hours:
Monday—Friday • 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.kean.edu/galleries, email galleries@kean.edu or call (908) 737-0392.

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ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY GALLERIES 
Kean University Galleries has a rich and diverse exhibition program that highlights cultural issues and are interdisciplinary in nature. These free, public programs are designed to educate and engage gallery visitors through the visual arts. Resulting dialogue further encourages visitors to think, share, question and collaborate. At Kean Galleries, we believe that art is an effective vehicle for building awareness of critical world issues and initiating social change.

ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1855, Kean University has become one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, with a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving nearly 15,000 students. The University’s five undergraduate colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate degrees over a full range of academic subjects. The Nathan Weiss Graduate College offers four doctoral degree programs and more than 60 options for graduate study leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications. With campuses in Union and Toms River, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, Kean University furthers its mission by providing an affordable and accessible world-class education. Visit www.kean.edu.

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