Through Scandinavian Eyes
For Immediate Release, January 31, 2009
Media Contact: Cynthia Thomet, pr@workssanjose.org
Works/San José Opens 2009 with a Look
“Through Scandinavian Eyes,”
Featuring the Works of Midjo & Pasto
Opens: First Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 at 7 pm
Continues during usual gallery hours through Sat. Mar. 7, 2009
January 31, 2009 – In its first exhibition for 2009, Works/San José will showcase the talents of Christian Midjo and Tarmo Pasto in “Through Scandinavian Eyes: A Look at the Midjo-Pasto Collection,” launching Friday, Feb. 6, at 7 pm at 451 S. First Street, San Jose, Calif.
The collection belongs to San Jose radiologist Dr. Matthew Pasto, oldest son of Tarmo Pasto, who acquired his father’s paintings, as well as Midjo’s. Since then, Dr. Pasto and his wife, Karyn Shaffner-Pasto, have worked to find ways to share the talents of these artists while supporting philanthropic efforts.
Norwegian-born Christian Midjo graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen in Denmark, and by 1909 had made his way to Ithaca, New York, where he was to become professor at Cornell University.
Tarmo Pasto was born in Pennsylvania to Finnish parents in 1906, but it was at Cornell University—during his pursuit of pursuit of his Ph.D. in the 1940s—that he first met Midjo. The relationship quickly grew from instructor-apprentice to a deep friendship and their works reflect an ongoing dialogue even across the country.
By the mid-40s, Pasto had moved to California, and by 1948, he had become a professor of art and psychology at Sacramento State College (known today as California State University at Sacramento). Midjo had by that time retired from Cornell and moved to California where Pasto had built a studio for him.
By 1961, Midjo made his way back to Norway where he eventually died in 1973 at the age of 93. Pasto remained a resident of Sacramento through 1986 during which time he enjoyed wide recognition for his growing knowledge in psychology. Author of “The Space-Frame Experience in Art,” (1964), Pasto died in 1986.
“Works/San José is pleased to share with the community the visual dialogue that took place between these two artists,” says Will Smith, volunteer-Treasurer on Works’ board.
The exhibition will continue through Saturday, Mar. 7. Gallery admission is free and open hours are: Thursdays 3 – 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays noon – 4 pm.
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Works/San José is the San José community’s art and performance center—a non-profit creative laboratory dedicated to providing an environment where artists, audience, and ideas interact to expand the scope of cultural and artistic experience. Gallery hours are: Thursdays 3 – 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays noon – 4 pm. For more information or to find out how to volunteer, please visit: www.workssanjose.org.
