Art & History Exhibit Examines Mohican-Dutch Roots of Athens

Caniskek-ACC-All(ATHENS, N.Y.) – “Taking Root: Caniskek and the Meeting of Two Worlds,” an art and history exhibition based on the transfer of Mohican territory called Caniskek to Dutch settlers who renamed it Athens 350 years ago, is on view at the Athens Cultural Center through July 26, 2015. The exhibit juxtaposes historical artifacts and excerpts from period journals with contemporary art to tell the tale of colliding worlds, investigating what the world was like here in 1665 as well as the powerful ideas of exploration, settlement, ownership, loss, culture and destiny.

The exhibit takes this local historical event and uses it as a jumping off point to envision and contemplate the past as well as reassess the immediate world around us. Neither a traditional historical nor a contemporary art exhibition, “Taking Root” employs an unexpected and interdisciplinary approach to the subject matter.

Imagine it is 1665. The place is the wilderness along the banks of the river whose “waters flow both ways.” The native inhabitants are the Mohicans, the newcomers wishing to settle and trade are the Dutch. Exactly 350 years ago a deed was signed for the land the Mohicans called Caniskek, a place that would change forever and evolve into the present day town called Athens, New York.

Artists included in the show are Bob Braine, Matt Bua, Tina Chaden, Dikko Faust: Purgatory Pie Press, Geoff Feder, Jeanette Fintz, Jim Holl, Kahn & Selesnick, Cynthia Karasek, Pat Kaufman, Louise Laplante, Michael McKay, Julie Anne Mann, Michael McKay, Claudia McNulty, Patrick McPhee, Terri O’Connor, Leslie C. Reed, Christy Rupp, Kiki Smith, Crystal Tourtillott and Susan Wides.

Excerpts from the written word and recorded background music by members of the Stockbridge – Munsee Community, Band of Mohican Indians will also be included in the exhibition.

“Taking Root”, curated by Carrie Feder, opened at the Athens Cultural Center on June 6 to a crowd of three hundred viewers. The exhibition will run through July 26, 2015, with gallery hours on Fridays: 4 -7 pm, Saturdays: 2 -7 pm and Sundays: 1 – 4 pm or by appointment: call 518 421-3443.
 

  1 comment for “Art & History Exhibit Examines Mohican-Dutch Roots of Athens

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.