Highly praised Willie Cole exhibit opens Sept. 16 at Sheldon

With the exhibition "Anxious Objects: Willie Cole's Favorite Brands," New Jersey artist Willie Cole brings an interpretation of urban American culture and a revealing glimpse into his identity to the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery this fall.

Growing up as an African-American in poverty, Cole collected castoff items from an affluent society on Newark streets -- hair dryers, irons, metal scraps, and shoes. In "Anxious Objects" thrown-away goods have become a medium and message in the artist's assemblages that make both social and artistic statements to viewers.

Organized by Patterson Sims, director of the Montclair Art Museum, where the exhibition was on view this summer, "Anxious Objects" opens Sept. 16 at Sheldon and continues through Dec. 17. Cole will speak about his work in Sheldon's Ethel S. Abbott Auditorium at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 19. A panel discussion on Cole's art will be held in the auditorium on at 5 p.m. Oct. 24. Both events are free and open to the public.

The exhibition is part of Sheldon's "Forming American Identities" initiative, which examines how artists express their identities and share formative influences -- cultures, gender, places and experiences -- within their work.

This retrospective of Cole's work has received praise from East Coast reviewers. The New York Times wrote: "The 51-year-old Mr. Cole, it seems, is very much of the moment." And the Newark Sunday Star-Ledger said: "No one interested in contemporary art should miss it."

Cole's art reflects the urban dichotomies of modern America: a vast consumer culture fueled by economic wealth showcased in glittering malls, and in sharp contrast, the industrial wastelands, poverty and ethnic racial and political discord. While Cole's urban and African-American heritages have remained primary influences, his artwork has become increasingly multicultural and universal.

The exhibition's showing in Lincoln is generously supported by US Bank, Ameritas Charitable Trust and the Lincoln Arts Council.

The Philip Johnson-designed Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery houses a permanent collection of more than 12,000 objects focusing on American art. The Sheldon, located at 12th and R streets on the UNL campus, is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. For information or to arrange a tour, call (402) 472-2461. Additional information is available on the Museum Web site, www.sheldon.unl.edu.

CONTACT: Tom White, Marketing Manager, Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery, (402) 472-1197