MARCH 10 - JULY 23, 2000 The Private Eye by its very definition is an eclectic look at the work of Walter Anderson. This exhibition reflects the perspective of many collectors rather than that of a single collector or that of a large institutional collection. Some objects or paintings may be familiar to the owner from childhood while another work represents a very recent acquisition for its owner. The Private Eye spans the three major periods of his career : Ocean Springs, 1923-1939, Oldfields, 1940-1947, and Horn Island, 1948-1965. It also represents several of his most frequently used media : watercolor and drawing, wood sculpture, and pottery. As curator, I originally felt I should display each collection as a separate entity, but then I realized how interesting it would be to exhibit the work thematically by subject. Breaking with the Museum’s traditional practice of using white-washed oak framing and off-white mats for Anderson’s paintings and drawings, the pieces are exhibited in the choice of framing selected by the collector. Again this reflects a wide range of personal preference and response to a given environment. Assembling the exhibition took on all the proportions of a quest and, while not of the same magnitude as that for the Holy Grail, it did involve travel. The work represented here is a very small portion of the work out there in private collections. This became evident as we began to track the work. It seemed that for each piece that was located there were several others beckoning on the horizon. Memphis, Tennessee proved to be a rich and fertile ground for discovering original work by Anderson. The explanation lies with the fact that there were two Anderson exhibitions held in Memphis, one in 1964 entitled “Fledgling Birds” and another in 1967 called “The World of Walter Anderson”. Both were at the Brooks Memorial Art Gallery which at the time was under the direction of Mr. Robert J. McKnight. From all accounts the provenance of some significant pieces date from that time. Some of the owners had interesting and colorful stories to tell which we have incorporated into the wall text beside the piece. With this exhibit we want to offer the viewer an opportunity to see Anderson work not readily available to the general public. And by staging this exhibit the Museum has the opportunity to see and document previously unknown work. It was felt that our audience would want to know more about conservation issues. Included in our programming is a lecture by a conservator on the preservation of works on paper for those who are interested in knowing more about protecting their artwork from the ravages of high light levels and acidity. It has been an adventure and a grand opportunity to be able to assemble this exhibit. Without the involvement of many generous collectors, this exhibit would have remained only a dream. The Museum wishes to thank them for their support. -- Joey Rice, Curator
Walter Anderson from Individual Collections
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Blackeyed Susans in
Shearwater Vase with Cat
Palmettos
Parrots
Cat Statue
Two Winged Heron
Crabs
Chariot Pot
Baby King Rails
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