MoCA Westport is pleased to announce its Summer Exhibition, Élan Vital, juried by Max Teicher and Emily White. The exhibition will be on view from June 25 – August 21, 2021.

The general public is invited to attend the opening reception on Thursday, June 24 from 6 – 8 p.m.

The term Élan Vital represents the creative force within an organism that is responsible for growth, change, and necessary or desirable adaptations. Artist Arthur Dove, who had a studio in Westport, was greatly influenced by Henri Bergson and his term élan vital as he sought to make such universal harmonies, and this urge for growth and renewal, visible in his work.

The exhibition is composed of artists selected through the Museum’s first Summer Open Call, open to all emerging, mid-career and established visual artists over the age of 18. MoCA Westport received over 200 submissions for consideration, from artists across the United States and abroad. The exhibition features eleven selected artists working in a range of mediums, including painting, drawing, prints, sculpture, ceramics and site-specific installation work.
____________________________________________________________________

“The artists we’ve selected have their own story and independent aesthetic and the concept of élan vital allows each of the artists to stand out on their own, while still creating an overall balance and harmony to the space.” – Jurors Teicher and White
____________________________________________________________________

Selected artists include:

• Jessica Alazraki (New York, NY)
• Andisheh Avini (Brooklyn, NY)
• William Buchina (Brooklyn, NY)
• Chase Hall (Los Angeles, CA/New York, NY)
• Asher Liftin (Brooklyn, NY)
• MaryKate Maher (Brooklyn, NY)
• Mieke Marple (San Francisco, CA)
• Alex Puz (Maspeth, NY)
• Annesofie Sandal (Long Island City, New York)
• Samuel Stabler (Athens, GA)
• Rachel Sydlowski (New York, NY)

Élan Vital is on view during MoCA Westport’s summer gallery hours: Wednesday -Sunday,12 – 4 p.m. with no reservations required. While at the Museum, check out the new Bar MoCA in the Museum’s lobby, serving up delicious cocktails and beverages.

For more information, contact Liz Leggett, Director of Exhibitions, at [email protected] or 203/222-7070.