Dendrochronology Exhibition at Kean University Examines the Nature of Politics

Artist Ryan Burns brings the conversation of nature and political history to the surface at Kean’s Burger Gallery

UNION, N.J. – The Karl and Helen Burger Gallery at Kean University in Union is hosting Dendrochronology: The Layers Within, an exhibition by mixed-media artist Ryan Burns, through Thursday, October 19, 2017. A closing reception with the artist will be held on closing night.

Dendrochronology, the study of natural occurrences in climate change over time through the examination of tree rings, is used to investigate society’s relationship to the environment. In his series of mixed-media collages, Burns illustrates the friction between the politics of economy and ecology by juxtaposing huge tree ring rubbings alongside the cultural debris evidenced by subtle printed images.

“This exhibition provokes viewers to ask many questions: How can an economic model based on perpetual ‘growth’ continue while consuming finite natural resources? Where will we be 20 years, 50 years, 100 years or even 1,000 years from now?” said Neil Tetkowski, director of the Kean Galleries.

A collaboration between University Galleries and Kean’s School of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, the Dendrochronology exhibition is the third in a series of art exhibits and related events called ArtSCAPES, referring to Art in Science, Climate and Adaptation: Picturing Environments and Sustainability, that draws attention to the connections between art, humans, and science. Fittingly, each of Burns’s artworks documents the life and subsequent death of a tree caused by a notable social event or natural catastrophe––including examples from California, Oregon, Louisiana and New York.

Dendrochronology: The Layers Within by Ryan Burns
Now through October 19, 2017
Karl and Helen Burger Gallery
Kean University
1000 Morris Ave. Union, N.J.
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.

PHOTOS/CAPTIONS:

Untitled (Oak, est. age 164 years) is one of Ryan Burns’s mixed-media artworks featured in his Dendrochronology: The Layers Within exhibition at Kean University's Burger Gallery in Union, now through Thursday, October 19.

Each of the artworks in Ryan Burns’s Dendrochronology: The Layers Within exhibition on display at Kean University’s Burger Gallery in Union through Thursday, October 19, brings the conversation of nature and political history to the surface.

ABOUT KEAN 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. Learn more at www.kean.edu.

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Millie Gonzalez
University Relations  
Kean University
mgonzale@kean.edu | 908-737-0586

KEAN GALLERIES CONTACT:
Neil Tetkowski
Kean Galleries Director
ntetkows@kean.edu | 908-737-0392

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2017