DeLena Feliciano, KMA’s assistant director of education, adjusts the microphone prior to artist Jane Cassidy’s remarks to a group gathered for a “Cocktails and Conversation” program.
If you go see artist Jane Cassidy’s two installations at the Knoxville Museum of Art — and you really should! — and you happen to fall asleep, she will consider her art to have been a success!
Cassidy, from Galway, Ireland, is a multi-disciplinary artist. She told a group gathered recently for a “Cocktails and Conversation” program at the KMA that most of her artwork involves at least two senses. The two on display at the KMA’s second floor Exhibition Gallery make use of sight and sound. And some of the sound is her own voice humming or chanting.
It really is relaxing. That’s why the KMA has thoughtfully provided comfy beanbag chairs for you to snuggle into!
“If anyone falls asleep during my work, I consider it a success” she assured us.
Cassidy said much of her latest art was born out of the pandemic. To escape lockdown, she often would swim — and record what she saw and heard on her cell phone. She swam during frigid temperatures, during rain and even during a hailstorm! And she used each experience in her eight-minute piece called “You Never Regret the Swim.”
The other, “Drink Up the Moon,” is a seven-minute loop of images of the moon. “I love thinking about our ancestors when I’m looking at the moon,” she said. “They were far more in tune with it than we are.”
Trained in music and digital media, Cassidy earned a master’s degree in music and media technologies from Trinity College Dublin in 2008 and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in digital art from Tulane University in 2014. Her main interests lie in audiovisual immersive environments, visual music and synesthesia.
The KMA, always free to visit, has several upcoming events involving Cassidy’s pieces including a couple featuring guided meditation. Click here to see when those are scheduled. Otherwise, just go and enjoy them on your own — and maybe take a nap!
Artist Jane Cassidy with her husband, Brandon Clarke, and new baby, Ezra Clarke.
Judith Foltz and David Butler, executive director of the Knoxville Museum of Art.
Mardel Fehrenbach and Stephen Wicks, the KMA’s longtime curator.
The mingling part of the evening.
From left, Steve Drevik, Moody Altamimi and Alan Carmichael.
Nancy Voith.
Leanne Dougherty, left, with Susan Creswell.
From left, Kitsy Hartley, Margo Clark and Natalie McLaurin.
Esther Sitver, left, and Joyce Lee visiting the snack table.
This was all gone in less than an hour!
Rozz Martin, director of education for the KMA, and Les McLaurin enjoyed the beautiful evening out on the deck.
Jane and Kenneth Creed.
Docent Saralee Peccolo-Taylor with David Butler.
Mardel Fehrenbach, left, with Cathy Hill.
Michael and Judith Foltz.
Finally, the crowd settled in.
And DeLena Feliciano welcomed everyone and introduced the artist.
Jane Cassidy.
Linda Thompson, left, and Natalie McLaurin.
Appropriate photo nods to both swimming and the moon!
A shot of the “Drinking Up the Moon” piece.
Another. It fills an entire wall of the exhibit hall. Notice the reflection on the floor.
Here’s a short excerpt from “You Never Regret the Swim.” The sound is ambient noise from the reception in the next room. If you go see the piece, you will find it to be a lot quieter!
Looks interesting! I’ll have to check it out when I’m at the KMA later this week.
Gay: You really should. You can see both in 15 minutes. Try not to fall asleep, though!
Even with its power to soothe, one can’t help but admire the artist’s talent and perseverance to capture the rhythm of the waves and the phases of the moon in this exhibit.
Alan: Agree. Going to see it again without the distractions of a reception in the next room. I am fascinated by both the sea and the moon!
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