"Insects: Real and Imaginary," an extensive survey of bold and colorful insect-inspired paintings by Claus Hoie (b. Stavanger, Norway, 1911 - d. East Hampton, NY, 2007) will be on view at Clinton Academy Museum, from June 1 through June 30. Watercolors in the exhibition span the last three decades of the artist's life. A number have been shown in museums and galleries in New York and elsewhere, but many are on view for the first time. The largest works represent Hoie's focus during his final years and this group includes pieces that were made for presentation at the National Academy of Design Museum. A number of loans come from private collectors.
The exhibition at Clinton Academy Museum stems from public interest in the permanent gallery of Claus Hoie whaling themes which was inaugurated at the East Hampton Town Marine Museum in 2011. Hoie, who comes from a Norwegian seafaring family, is particularly well known for his paintings relating to the sea, including sailing vessels, 19th century captain's logs, fish, mammals, and the legend of Moby Dick. He is also known for his paintings inspired by structures in the East Hampton Village Historic District. His studio-residence was nearby on a tributary of Town Pond.
Intellectual curiosity, imagination, and daily walks observing natural phenomena all served as motivation for Hoie's insect themes. The exhibition installation calls attention to his use of humor and fantasy, and to his inventive use of calligraphic qualities to emphasize traditional species names derived from 18th and 19th century scientific investigations. Highlighted, too, are certain works that combine motifs to weave imaginary stories. One section demonstrates his ability to turn a transparent blot of color into a spirited creature. His skill at exploring various tonalities and degrees of transparency is evident throughout.
Claus Hoie studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts and at Pratt Institute. There have been more than twenty solo exhibitions of his watercolors in museums and galleries in the United States and in Europe. A full career retrospective was organized by the Guild Hall Museum in 2004. The work is represented in many museum and private collections.
"Insects: Real and Imaginary" was organized by the Helen and Claus Hoie Charitable Foundation. An exhibition brochure contains an essay, and is available at no charge.
Clinton Academy Museum is open Saturday, 10 - 5, Sunday 12 - 5, and by appointment.