In a world teetering on the edge of perpetual crisis, artists have long served as seismographs of societal tremors. Now, the Woodmere Art Museum is set to open an exhibition that explores how creators capture these uncertain times through uncanny narratives and resilient forms.

"Strange Narratives | Resilient Bodies," opening Sept. 28, 2024, promises to take visitors on a journey through the subconscious of Philadelphia's art scene, showcasing works that blur the line between reality and imagination.

Guest curator Robert Cozzolino, an independent art historian and critic, has mined the museum's permanent collection to bring together pieces that reflect the strange state of our perpetually shifting world. The exhibition, running through May 15, 2025, coincides with the centennial of Surrealism, a movement that continues to influence artists grappling with the complexities of contemporary life.

"Artists see objects or jarring incidents from their daily life mirrored or absorbing meanings that relate to a more profound existential state," Cozzolino explained. "As I explored Woodmere's collection, I kept finding artworks that depicted the tangible world clearly, but also hinted at something present yet invisible."

The show features both living artists and historical figures from Philadelphia's rich artistic landscape. Visitors will encounter works by Leon Kelly, who participated in Surrealist exhibitions in 1920s Paris, alongside pieces by Thomas Chimes and Roger Anliker, known for their adaptation of Surrealist visual strategies.

"This show invites visitors to consider how artists suggest meanings beyond what's immediately visible, encouraging a deeper exploration of each work," said William Valerio, Woodmere's Patricia Van Burgh Allison Director and CEO.

Cozzolino's curatorial approach stands out for its emphasis on collaboration and diverse perspectives. The accompanying catalog includes an in-depth conversation with tribal representatives from the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, Native art experts, and Valerio, reflecting a commitment to examining the collection through varied cultural lenses.

"My work of the last decade has grown from collaborative conversations about the multiple meanings that artworks have," Cozzolino said. "It made me curious to learn how various cultures and artistic communities might interpret these complex narratives."

The exhibition draws from Cozzolino's extensive curatorial experience, which includes work at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Minneapolis Institute of Art, and other notable institutions. His previous exhibitions have covered a wide range of topics, from the paranormal in American art to World War I's impact on artistic expression.

As museums worldwide mark the Surrealist movement's centennial, Woodmere's exhibition offers a unique perspective on how artists continue to grapple with the strange and resilient aspects of human experience. Through this carefully curated collection, visitors are invited to explore the hidden depths and multiple meanings within each artwork, reflecting on the enduring impact of Surrealism and its relevance in today's world.

The museum, at 9201 Germantown Ave., will host an opening reception on Oct. 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., free to the public with registration.