Syracuse University Art Museum Unveils Engaging Fall 2025 Exhibitions

The Syracuse University Art Museum is set to launch its fall 2025 season with four innovative exhibitions starting on August 26, 2025. These exhibitions aim to enhance the museum’s mission of promoting diverse and inclusive perspectives while fostering connections between students and the broader community. The programming invites both the campus and Syracuse communities to engage deeply with art and its significant contexts, ranging from abstract printmaking to environmental themes.

Exploring the Legacy of Helen Frankenthaler

Among the highlights is the exhibition titled “What If I Try This?” which focuses on the renowned abstract artist Helen Frankenthaler. Curated by Melissa Yuen, the exhibit features a collection of 11 prints and one set of process proofs gifted by the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation as part of the Frankenthaler Prints Initiative. This exhibition illustrates how Frankenthaler collaborated with seven print studios to redefine the boundaries of printmaking.

The display includes loans from prestigious institutions such as the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation, Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester, and others. Yuen emphasizes the collaborative spirit of printmaking, stating, “The daring experiments Frankenthaler and her collaborators realized remind us that invention requires risk, and that the creative process is rarely linear.”

An opening reception is scheduled for September 11, 2025, featuring a keynote address by Alexander Nemerov, the Carl and Marilynn Thomas Provostial Professor in the Arts and Humanities at Stanford University. Nemerov will discuss Frankenthaler’s connections to Syracuse through notable alumni like Clement Greenberg, a prominent 20th-century art critic.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Art and Environment

Another exhibition, “A Sense of Arrival,” showcases the work of Kevin Adonis Browne, a professor in the Department of Writing Studies, Rhetoric and Composition. This multimedia installation integrates photographs, sculptures, and new writings that reflect Browne’s exploration of Caribbean identity and rhetorical expression. A public reading and discussion with Browne will occur later in the fall, allowing audiences to connect with his artistic journey.

In addition, the museum will unveil “Human/Environment: 4,000 Years of Art,” a permanent collection exhibition in the Morton and Luise Kaish Gallery. This display examines the relationship between humanity and the environment through nearly 45,000 works, spanning ancient to contemporary art. The exhibition is organized around themes such as landscape, dwelling, and communal spaces, prompting viewers to consider how their surroundings influence artistic expression.

This exhibit will run for the next four academic years, serving as a foundation for discussions about humanity’s place in the world. Notably, it will feature a newly dated piece, Ishtar, dating back to 2100–1500 BCE, making it one of the museum’s oldest items.

Another significant addition to the museum’s offerings is the Art Wall Project featuring artist Bhen Alan. His installation titled “Why Does My Adobo Taste Different?” consists of a monumental handwoven banig, crafted from plant fibers and deconstructed paintings. Alan, who draws upon his experiences as a Filipino immigrant, aims to evoke empathy and understanding among visitors, particularly in today’s political climate.

“I want [museum visitors] to understand the experience of immigrant people,” Alan states. His installation not only embodies his artistic vision but also serves as a heartfelt expression of cultural identity.

The Syracuse University Art Museum’s fall season promises a diverse range of exhibitions that highlight the intricate connections between art, ecology, and personal narratives. Each show is designed to inspire dialogue and foster a deeper understanding of our shared experiences. For additional information on exhibitions, events, and museum hours, please visit museum.syr.edu.