Anthony Cudahy: Spinneret | Ogunquit Museum of American Art

The Ogunquit Museum of American Art (OMAA) is excited to present Anthony Cudahy: Spinneret as its opening exhibition in 2024, marking Cudahy’s debut solo show in the United States. Devon Zimmerman, PhD, OMAA’s Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, anticipates the showcase as a captivating exploration of Cudahy’s intricate artistic practice, delving into the interplay between personal narratives and historical contexts. Named after the silk-producing organ of spiders, Cudahy’s paintings intricately weave together references from Queer archives, art history, film, and poetry, reflecting on themes of love, friendship, and mortality amidst the digital age. Through nuanced compositions and a diverse palette, Cudahy navigates between the real and surreal, drawing inspiration from figures like his husband, photographer Ian Lewandowski, and friends such as artist Lily Wong. His work also addresses the impact of historical crises, including the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, with references to artists like Derek Jarman and observations of societal responses to lockdowns. By intertwining diverse histories and images, including those from LGBTQ archives and medieval tapestries, Cudahy’s exhibition presents a layered exploration of intimacy and mortality.

Exhibition Dates: April 12 - July 21, 2024

Location: 543 Shore Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907

See the Ogunquit Museum of American Art for more details.