Mark Messersmith “Long Summer” & Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America at the Mennello

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

There are only a couple of weeks left to see the summer show on view at the Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando, FL, so here’s what you need to know before you go…

The main galleries are devoted to the large-scale Viviparous Quadrupeds prints crafted by John James Audubon (for the most part). Personally, I struggled with the biological accuracy of the creatures depicted in these prints and the occasional, somewhat off-putting, peculiar perspectives. That said, each print is in itself a technical marvel when you consider the time period (1840’s) and the extreme amount of detail in the work, down to each individual hair.

And don’t forget to take the time to appreciate the background landscapes and the flowers and foliage depicted.

Canada Porcupine

Audubon and his cohorts seem to give their subjects lively personalities, especially the squirrels and the Canada Porcupine, who is incidentally my favorite of the bunch.

The real star of this exhibition is the work of Mark Messersmith. There are only 4 pieces in the Long Summer set and while they are relegated to a small, tucked-away gallery, seeing them is worth the price of admission.

And be forewarned… the Long Summer pieces are more than just paintings… they are an experience. The small gallery space works to the viewer’s advantage because Messersmith’s massive mixed media works first envelop and then transport the viewer to a Florida eerily similar to ours. Magical realism is at play and it has never looked more vivacious or more menacing.

Messersmith’s pieces are so layered and so lush that the longer you look, the more you see. And much like nature itself, what you see is not always hopeful or encouraging.

The Long Summer set really beckons the viewer to get as close as possible to the work. Attached carvings of the flora and fauna painted by Messersmith help extend the work beyond the traditional frame and into the viewer’s space, practically encouraging the museumgoer to step into the piece itself.

I have been a fan of Mark Messersmith since my days at FSU and these are by far, my most favorite pieces of his. They are visceral, emotionally charged, and their message rings out loud and clear… we only have one Florida… let’s protect it and preserve it before we humans destroy it forever.

Both shows are on view at the Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando, FL now through September 8, 2024. For more information, please visit…

https://www.mennellomuseum.org/Home

2 thoughts on “Mark Messersmith “Long Summer” & Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America at the Mennello”

  1. Mennello Audubon animals exhibit is gorgeous to see real looking fur and natural habitat because his birds’ feathers look real, but they were killed & posed looking a little unnatural!! Messermith huge art pieces are gorgeous. Thx for getting me to the Mennello post covid! Always good to stroll thru Earl Campbell permanent art collection and portraits collection and outdoor sculptures!

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The Wandering Art Historian's avatar
I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.