An exhibition titled “ATLAS: Historical Works and Recent Journeys of Alberto Rey” is on view at the Marion Art Gallery through November 21. The show features 133 paintings, drawings, and ceramics by Alberto Rey, a SUNY Distinguished Professor Emeritus who taught at Fredonia from 1989 to 2022. The works were created during and after a five-month expedition to 14 countries and 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2024, alongside pivotal pieces from past series such as “Binary Forms,” “Extinct Birds,” and “Critically Endangered Palms of Cuba.” The exhibition also includes journal entries, sketchbooks, and art supplies from the voyage.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the interdisciplinary practice of an artist-educator who combines ecological research, cultural history, and personal narrative. Rey’s focus on endangered species and indigenous cultures—such as the Selk’nam tribe of Patagonia and the endemic palms of Cuba—offers a poignant commentary on extinction, memory, and displacement. By presenting both historical series and new travel-based works, the show underscores how sustained artistic inquiry can bridge scientific observation and emotional connection, making it relevant to conversations about art, environment, and global heritage.