Murdoch Collections to host SeraFemina exhibit featuring works by MJ Anderson February 5, 2009

Murdoch Collections will host SeraFemina, a sculptural exhibit by Oregon artist MJ Anderson opening Thursday, February 5th 2009 and running through Saturday, March 21, 2009. The First Thursday celebration will be held from 6 to 9 pm on February 5th at the new home of Murdoch Collections at 2219 NW Raleigh Street in Portland.

The name SeraFemina, also the title of one of Anderson’s sculptures, means “female angel” and serves as a paradoxical twist in that all angels in Western culture based on biblical references were male, and MJ Anderson’s stone-carved sculptures are all female torsos. Further, Anderson’s profession as a stone carver is one typically dominated by males.

Anderson’s stone comes from Cararra, Italy, where one of her studios is located. As well as providing a magnificent backdrop, Carrara’s White Mountains are culturally significant as they formed the birthplace of Michelango’s David among other statues created during the Renaissance. Stone for The Pantheon, Trajan’s Column and other monuments also came from Carrara. Anderson’s second studio is on the Oregon Coast. A highly-decorated art teacher, solo artist and group show member, Anderson has had her works shown and commissioned all over the Pacific NW, and her work is also part of the permanent collection at the Hallie Ford Museum.

Rounding out the show’s Italian thread and complementing MJ’s Mediterranean inspired pieces will be watercolor and oil paintings by Oregon artists Harry Widman and the late Dorothy Yezerski.

Official Website: http://murdochcollections.com