Visual Interpretations of Don Quixote

November 4, 2004 - January 9, 2005
Lowenfeld Exhibition Hall, 10th floor, Axinn Library

The book Don Quixote de la Mancha defies simple categorization. It is purported that author Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra meant it to be a translation of a historical account of Don Quixote, written earlier by Cide Hamete Benengeli. Yet it is also considered to be the first European novel. Within the story are elements of comedy, romance and morality as well as scenes of violence and pathos. The Hofstra conference "Don Quixote: The First 400 Years" encompasses numerous aspects of Don Quixote from literary, historical, social and artistic perspectives. Similarly, the accompanying exhibition, Visual Interpretation of Don Quixote, offers additional interpretations.

Don Quixote has been likened to Homer's Odyssey in that the hero must endure many hardships before arriving at an enlightened resolution. The artists in this exhibition have completed their own odyssey. They were asked to produce art work to complement the Don Quixote conference. Similar to the characters of the novel, the artists had many challenges, but all were resolved to create an exhibition both intellectually provocative and visually entertaining.

Heather Johnson
Information and Publications Coordinator
Hofstra Museum

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