West Orange Art Exhibit Brings New Life To Ordinary Objects

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Sometimes simply getting a new perspective on things can open a new world of possibilities.

The West Orange Arts Council (WOAC) recently launched “Objet Trouvé, An Exhibit of Found Objects,” a virtual exhibit that will also be open for in-person, timed-entry visits at the West Orange Arts Center, 551 Valley Road through Feb. 27. Attendees are required to social distance and wear face coverings at all times.

Learn more about the exhibit here. Watch a video the online gallery below.

The exhibit is curated by Carol Black-Lemon and includes work from Virginia Block, Nina Cioppettini, Maria Estrela, Rona Goldfarb, Ellen Hark, Kathleen Heron, Mary Howe, Carol Jenkins, Cansuela Lawrence, Aron Lifschultz, Modern Fossils: Judith Marchand and David P. Horowitz, Frank Niccoletti, Amelia Panico, Jennifer Place, Danielle Scott, Georgia Varidakis, Alexandra Vasconcelos and Ann Vollum.

“This exhibit is sure to ignite one’s imagination to look at objects with a fascinating new purpose,” said Black-Lemon, vice chair of the WOAC. “It's a world of reimagined objects. I hope that when people view this exhibit that they walk away with a desire to create something from their own, everyday found objects.”

According to organizers:

“Objet trouvé is a French term describing art created from undisguised, modified or ordinary materials elements or substances that are not normally considered to create art or already have a non-art function. Artists were invited to demonstrate the unique ways they combine or repurpose found objects to evoke memories, spark connections and build upon themes. Common, discarded or unuseful objects, in the hands of an artist, are given new life, meaning and purpose. This was a great opportunity for artists to use their imaginations and create something that is unexpected.”

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