We Knew Him When: The Work Of A Great Artist!

We are so happy to see the work of our high school classmates, Ken Tisa (WWHS, '64) on exhibit in the spectacular new exhibit "Off The Wall: American Art To Wear" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, now through may 17.

At this vivid exhibition you can "delight in the astonishing inventiveness and techniques of a generation of mixed-media artists who pioneered a new art form designed around the body. Coming of age during the dramatic cultural shifts of the 1960s and 70s, the artists in this distinctively American movement explored nontraditional materials and methods to create adventurous, deeply imaginative works."

Ken was part of that movement. And he's still teaching, creating and exhibiting. In fact, his work has been shown in numerous galleries including Gordon Robicheaux, (2017) New York, NY; Kate Werble Gallery, New York, NY (2013); Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD (2006); Centre d’Art et de Culture, Aix-en-Provence, FR (2004); Stellweg-Seguy Gallery, New York, NY (1988); Alexander Wood Gallery, New York, NY (1986); and Fischbach Gallery, New York, NY (1972). And, his work has been exhibited at venues including the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY; The Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa, OK; MoMA PS1, Long Island City, NY; Artist’s Space, New York, NY; and Art in General, New York, NY.

But, since he is a Camden native, to have his art on exhibit at the world renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art is a homecoming of sorts.

It was obvious to all of us who went through high school with Ken (we knew him as "Kenny" in those days) that he was hugely talented. But isn't it great when someone with such a gift works hard, hones his craft, achieves his full potential and gains such impressive recognition? Bravo!