On View

Dawn Cerny: Portmeirion

January 25 - June 22, 2025

A small alcove in an art gallery with a variety of abstract, sculptural artworks and hanging curtains
An artwork on the floor made up of a wire basket and a side table with a kleenex holder painted a deep maroonish purple. A small pair of legs and feet appear from the left of the image
A larger, long room in an art gallery with a variety of abstract, sculptural artworks and hanging curtains
An artwork mounted on a white wall made of bits of household material painted gray holding pieces of paper colored with a geometric design
A close up image of a piece of furniture incorporating a daybed and small household items
An artwork mounted on a white wall made of bits of household material. Paper and reciepts are attached in various places.
An artwork mounted on a white wall made of bits of household material painted with a reddish tint. Colored paper, rubber bands, and a cloth are hanging off in various positions
An artwork mounted on a white wall made of bits of household material painted primarily blue and orange. Pieces of paper with different designs are attached.
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Seattle artist Dawn Cerny’s abstract sculptures transform a museum gallery into a colorful domestic landscape. Her interactive furniture pieces crafted from humble materials celebrate the theatricality of everyday life, often to humorous effect. The exhibition opens a literal window into the neighboring Frye Salon, where Cerny’s contemporary works mingle among the traditional oil paintings. Archly embracing the tension between real and artificial, Cerny’s work underscores that the original Frye Salon—the in-home gallery of Charles and Emma Frye—was both a private living space and a carefully staged backdrop for public social events. 

Dawn Cerny: Portmeirion is organized by Georgia Erger, Curator. 

Lead individual support provided by the Hayward-Hughes Family. Additional generous support provided by the Raynier Institute & Foundation and Frye Members. Media sponsorship provided by KEXP.

Seasonal support provided by 4Culture.

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Installation view of Dawn Cerny: Portmeirion, Frye Art Museum, Seattle, January 25–June 22, 2025. Photo: Jueqian Fang 

Dawn Cerny. Kleenex Side-table for Simone Weil, 2024. Wood, paint, cardboard, Aqua-Resin, epoxy clay, fiberglass, Kleenex, Boucherouite rug, wire, trash bag. Dimensions variable. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Dawn Cerny

Installation view of Dawn Cerny: Portmeirion, Frye Art Museum, Seattle, January 25–June 22, 2025. Photo: Jueqian Fang 

Dawn Cerny. Humpty Dumpty (Shopping Cart), 2024. Wood, epoxy clay, curtain clips, ink, paper, paint, fiberglass, Aqua-Resin, mat board. 18 ½ x 23 ½ x 4 ½ in. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Dawn Cerny

Dawn Cerny. Florentine Pietà as Daybed for Unlikely Poets (detail), 2024. Plywood, enamel paint, textile, cushion, felt, epoxy clay, Aqua-Resin, lamp, pegboard hardware, keys, toothbrushes, pearl necklace, dish towels, wire, ephemera. Dimensions variable. Courtesy of the artist. Installation view from Dawn Cerny: Portmeirion, 2025. Frye Art Museum. Photo: Jueqian Fang 

Dawn Cerny. Shadow of the Pillar at Noon, 2024. Mat board, fiberglass, Aqua-Resin, paint, paper, graphite, coupons. 15 1/2  x 15 1/2  x 5 1/2 in. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Dawn Cerny

Dawn Cerny. Pratique with Rubber bands, 2024. Textile, wood, epoxy clay, paper, watercolor, paint, fiberglass, Aqua-Resin, mat board, rubber bands. 29 x 15 ½ x 4 ½ in. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Dawn Cerny

Dawn Cerny. The Orange Tree Trick, 2024. Wood, epoxy clay, clips, felt, paint, ink, paper. 18 1/2 x 22 x 3 1/4 in. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Dawn Cerny

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Museum Digital Guide

Exhibition audio tour with artist Dawn Cerny