By Jasmine Allen
The first exhibition to kick off the fall semester was the faculty exhibit.
The exhibition was held in Dedo Maranville fine arts gallery this gallery was dedicated to Martha G. Smart. I really appreciate the faculty galleries because they give a view of how our professors work with their medium of choice. The organization of the gallery openings is respected as well. The department provides finger foods and an inspiring environment. I walked around the gallery looking for a piece that stood out the most to me, I found myself standing in front of Libba Wilcox’s work.
The background that appears to be made of old photos maybe some new. The imagery of the piece fits the title well. The piece is named Broken the artist used a rib cage and bones that would be in the arm to match the title. The arms are separated from the body so that gives you a feel for something or someone who is broken. The photos in the background seem to tell some sort of story about the artist’s life or experiences with each individual.
The color palette is a dark and vibrant palette, which I feel, also plays into the title Broken. The focus point of is a set of rib cages painted separately with the arms detached from the skeleton. She maybe playing on the fact that no matter what we maybe feeling or how the emotional toll of life affects an individual you have to be strong similar to the structure that holds the body up.
She executed the piece well. The imagery and the color palette all tie together to create a dynamic piece.
Richard Peterman’s Ignem Aeternum I feel as though it brought movement into the gallery. The piece is constructed out of matches that form another figure within the design itself. Standing off to the side of the piece, it seems as the matches are coming off the ball at you. I think that adds character to the overall work. The matches and other mediums work well together to produce something dynamic. I think this idea could work in many forms and shapes. I can appreciate the time and consideration it took to construct a piece this intricate and detailed. The placement in the gallery of this piece also makes it effective it draws you to the piece as you turn the corner in the gallery.
I think both of these artists did a wonderful job in displaying technical skill to create two well put together pieces. Wilcox used mixed media as well as Mr. Peterman, which show a variety in the things that can be produced by two different mix media artist. Peterman’s accuracy with the matches display patience.
I spoke about two pieces but the gallery as a whole was a great learning experience. The Valdosta State University art professors are all very talented in their own right. I think having these type of events every so often create a healthy suspense for up incoming professionals of the art world. I think the gallery submissions have made me gain a new respect for the professors here. I know they understand the work and time it takes to create something worthwhile.
Jasmine Allen is a Valdosta State Senior majoring in Fine Arts.