The Fairfield University Art Museum is showcasing two exciting exhibitions this fall, offering a journey through ancient civilizations to contemporary art.
Hieroglyphs to Hype: The Modern Afterlife of Ancient Egypt
Running from Sept. 18 to Dec. 12, 2026, this exhibition in the Bellarmine Hall Galleries dives into the Western fascination with ancient Egyptian art, known as “Egyptomania.” Featuring a variety of artworks from the 19th century to today—including paintings, prints, and decorative art—it explores the complexities and misconceptions that stem from centuries of cultural influences. Curated by Megan Paqua, with a background in Egyptology, the exhibition encourages visitors to reflect on how ancient Egyptian culture has been adapted in popular media, such as films and TV shows.
Charles-Théodore Frère, “Along the Nile”, ca. 1870, oil on panel. Fairfield University Art Museum, Gift of Michael T. Vigario ’08, 2023
James Welling: Cento
Opening on Sept. 25 and running until Dec. 12, 2026, in the Walsh Gallery, this exhibition features over 60 recent works from James Welling, a contemporary photographer from Connecticut. It highlights his innovative techniques of integrating photography, painting, and printmaking, particularly through digital and painterly alterations of images from ancient sites in Italy and Greece. Alongside his works, visitors will find 10 historic plaster casts of sculptures from the Museum’s collection.
James Welling, “Portrait of Plutarch”, 2023, laser print with oil paint. Courtesy of the artist. © James Welling
Learn More and Explore
The museum offers a variety of free programming to enhance the exhibitions, including lectures, family days, and opening events.
For additional details and to register for events, visit fairfield.edu/museum.
