Jennifer Cecere (AA ’69) has spent much of her career creating artworks that activate public spaces while challenging traditional perspectives on “women’s work.” Long associated with the Pattern and Decoration movement, Cecere is best known for bold installations that draw attention to handicraft by reimagining the domestic doily within the built environment.
In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Abbot Academy and Phillips Academy becoming a single institution, Cecere has created two site-specific installations. Referencing and recontextualizing the humble lace ornament, an oversized and reflective doily adorns the Addison’s façade, while one of the artist’s signature doily benches enlivens the Abbot Circle. Dynamically linking both campuses, Cecere’s bold and outsized designs encourage reconsideration of the habitually overlooked contributions of women artists and, by extension, the often underappreciated yet lasting impact of Abbot Academy on the culture and traditions of Phillips Academy.
Generous support for this installation is provided by the Abbot Academy Fund, continuing Abbot’s tradition of boldness, innovation, and caring.
Exhibition images
Related exhibition materials
Video
Jennifer Cecere presents a virtual discussion of her body of work and her site-specific installations on campus created in conjunction with “Abbot & Andover at 50: Then, Now, Next,” celebrating the 50th anniversary of Abbot Academy and Phillips Academy becoming a single institution. Her new works–an oversized and reflective doily on the Addison’s façade and one of the artist’s signature doily benches in Abbot Circle–reference and recontextualize the humble lace ornament. This program was organized with Andover’s Memorial Hall Library. (Recorded on May 22, 2024)
PRESS RELEASE
Two Site-Specific Works by Artist Jennifer Cecere to be Exhibited on the Campus of Phillips Academy this Spring and Summer
In the News
The Arts Fuse, Coming Attractions: April 21 through May 6 — What Will Light Your Fire: Visual Arts by Peter Walsh, 4/21/2024
Eagle Tribune, Something gained; something lost by Terry Date, 5/23/2024