KNOXVILLE, TN.- The Knoxville Museum of Art presents After the Fall November 4, 2011-February 5, 2012. After the Fall is one of the first major surveys devoted to the exciting art being produced by a new generation of artists from Eastern Europe’s former communist countries. Most of the artists represented are in their thirties, and several are quickly becoming widely known after being featured in international biennials, art fairs, and museum exhibitions. Most were born under Communist rule but their art training occurred following the fall of Communism. Despite being involved in the global art world, these artists are devoted to living and maintaining studios in their home towns. Their work offers a variety of inside perspectives on Eastern Europe’s complex cultural legacy.

The idea was formulated by Marc and Livia Straus, internationally recognized collectors and curators, and founders of the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art in Peekskill, New York, where the exhibition premiered. The couple’s visit to hundreds of studios across Eastern Europe confirmed their belief that the region contained a wealth of important new work being created by young artists. Rather than present a massive survey exhibition, the Strauses instead elected to offer audiences a show of greater depth by selecting roughly 40 works—mostly large-scale paintings—by only 18 of the most promising artists. The KMA will present a slightly smaller version of After the Fall, and is only the second venue to host this groundbreaking exhibition.