M.C. Escher at Kresge Art Museum

1998's Masterworks show at the Kresge Art Museum features the work of the renowned graphic artist M.C. Escher in celebration of the centenniel of his birth. His work has fascinated numerous audiences since he began experimenting with the unique spatial relationships that dominate his work after 1937. He appeals particularly to scientists and mathmaticians, as well as the general public, because of his consuming fascination with spatial oddities and optical illusions. The Kresge exhibit draws together over 35 prints in a broad sampling of Escher's work, from his earlier landscapes to his later optical experiments.

Some of the more famous images include Waterfall, Belvedere, and Ascending and Descending. These prints are the result of Escher's desire to explore the unique relationship in art between flat surfaces and three-dimensional spaces. He liked to work with the fact that people often see what they imagine is logical before they take in what is actually in front of them.

Other prints display a more obvious manipulation of space, such as Print Gallery and Balcony. Both of these works significantly alter what we know about the reality of seeing, and in both cases Escher used a very careful mathmatic method to create these images. Related to these in his much-loved image, Day and Night. In this piece the world shifts before our very eyes and we are left with a sense of wonderment.

In addition to these works, several lesser known works are on display. They are primarily landscapes from his earlier travels through southern Italy, and are also significant in that they clearly show Escher's preoccupation with the ideas, such as infinity and optics, that would become more fully developed in his later career. The Italian landscape was a perfect subject matter for an artist with these interests, the rock formations provide unique forms as well as an endless sense of natural wonder.

The show includes a wide range of examples spanning the artist's entire career. He worked in a variety of graphic mediums over a long period of time. We hope that you will take the opportunity to come and experience the magic of this most fascinating and talented graphic artist.

All M.C. Escher works and texts copyright (c) Cordon Art B.V., P.O. Box 101, 3740 AC The Netherlands. M.C. Escher (TM) is a Trademark of Cordon Art B.V.