Henry Gasser: Beyond City Limits
April 1 - June 28, 2004

The Walsh Library Gallery at Seton Hall hosted a retrospect of more than 50 of Henry Gasser's original works in Spring of 2004. Represented in museums nationwide, this artist's work positions him as a key figure in 20th century American Art.

Born in Newark, Henry Gasser spent the last years of his life in South Orange. In fact, Seton Hall hosted his last show before this death. There is great dignity in many of his works, which show city streets filled with 19th century buildings, workers' housing and working people. In this glimpse of the everyday, we see visual documentation of the period. Those who grew up in industrial northeastern towns can relate to the harshness of the heavy winters as seen in his representations of heavy snows and blistering cold. However, what draws us to this work is the uniqueness of his style and thoughtfulness of composition. One can easily be immersed in his representations of a another time and place.

"Henry Gasser lived a full life as an artist, author and art director. He gave us a visual diary of a time when humanity prevailed. In essence, he was a surveyor of urban life and this paintings will be always be connected to his beloved Newark."  
Curator: Gary E. Erbe