Transparency and Trans-formations in Contemporary American Art

Stephen Finch, Winter Light (snowstorm New York 2/10/03), 2003. 12 fluorescent tube lights, fixtures, and filters. Courtesy of the artist and Galerie Nordehake, Stockholm, Sweden. (State Dept. photo)

On April 16, the Ambassador’s Residence in Stockholm was transformed with the official opening of the ART in Embassies exhibition. The exhibition was created in cooperation between the Art in Embassies program, Artwithoutwalls (An independent non-profit art organization based in Louisville, Kentucky) and the U.S. Embassy, Stockholm.

Using mixed media, the spectacular art show transformed the residence walls, stairs and floors with paintings, photography, interactive high-tech art, video installations, and an on-location unique on-location created piece by New York-based Alyson Schotz. 

The 140 guests from the arts, media and business were wowed by this fantastic exhibition which has been built on the 46 year history of bringing works by American artists to diplomatic residences around the world. The 23 works by 20 diverse American artists demonstrated how art can be used to explore issues of cultural and political mythology, gender and racial identity.

As a special treat, American cellist player, Mr. Ben Sollee accompanied by Ms. Cheyenne Mize performed all the way from Louisville, Kentucky with their special mixture of rock-classical music and song. This exhibition will be seen by thousands of guests to the U.S. Residence in Stockholm over the next two years.