Castellani Art Museum presents: 'Tradition Now,' exploring evolving power of cultural heritage

Castellani Art Museum Press Release

Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University announces “Tradition Now,” a landmark exhibition showcasing the enduring and transformative power of cultural heritage. Opening Dec. 5, and running through Nov. 1, 2026, “Tradition Now” invites audiences to explore the ways in which artists reimagine and reinterpret cultural legacies, creating dynamic connections between the past and present.

The exhibition features a stunning array of works by master artists such as Wilfredo Lam, Ye Zuibai and Utagawa Hiroshige, alongside contemporary innovators including Endi Poskovic. Highlights include Wilfredo Lam’s “Untitled” (1972), a surrealist exploration of Afro-Caribbean spirituality, and Ye Zuibai’s “Wild Horses” (n.d.), which captures the strength and perseverance symbolized by horses in Chinese art. Jennifer Hnat-Glenn’s “Goose Egg Pisanka” (2021) celebrates the intricate Ukrainian tradition of Easter egg decoration, while Charles Simonds’ “Ritual Place” (1979) transports viewers to the imagined rituals of an ancient civilization.

“Cultural heritage serves as a bridge between the past and the present,” said Edward Millar, CAM’s folk arts curator. “Through ‘Tradition Now,’ we invite visitors to explore how culture inspires artistic expression, connecting us to our shared histories while forging new paths for the future.”

Organized into three thematic sections – symbols & motifs, technique & process, and rituals, festivals, and customs – the exhibition offers an in-depth exploration of how traditional techniques, motifs and cultural practices inspire artistic innovation. Through this vibrant collection, “Tradition Now” underscores the adaptability of human creativity and the timeless relevance of cultural heritage.

“Tradition Now” will debut during a special opening reception on Dec. 5. This event will also celebrate the openings of “Beyond Numbers” and “Where No Words Exist,” exhibitions exploring the intersections of mathematics, language and aesthetics. Guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments and connect with students, faculty and members of the local community.

For more information on the CAM, visit www.castellaniartmuseum.org, and follow CAM’s Facebook page, X (@CAM_of_NU) and Instagram (@CastellaniArtMuseum).