“Impressions from Nature's Notebook,” an exhibition of paintings, digital, and multimedia works by Stephen J. Tyson will open Thursday Oct. 24, at the Arts Atrium Gallery. The artist will present a slide talk on his work at 3:30 p.m. in Room 215 followed by a reception.
Tyson's work is noted for its unique combination of bold colors and design derived from musical, biological, and architectural sources. Other sources include illuminated manuscripts, Aboriginal art, African sculpture, Asian calligraphy, Baroque art and scientific photography. His work is further enriched by experiences in Europe, the Caribbean Islands, and Africa. Tyson received two Fulbright-Hayes Fellowships where he studied in Nigeria, Namibia, and Botswana.
In addition to teaching at Siena College, he has taught at Union College, the State University at Albany, Schenectady County Community College, and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. He also worked extensively as a book illustrator and designer, consultant (“An Exploration of the American Slave Experience/ Twelve Years a Slave; the Kidnapping, Enslavement and Rescue of Solomon Northup” at Union's Mandeville Gallery), juror, broadcast spokesman, exhibition guide, and issue panelist. In 2000, Tyson co-curated the Sankofa exhibition for Black Dimensions in Art at the Albany International Airport.