by Nyasha Ortiz
The Dedo Maranville Fine Arts Gallery has opened its doors to host the Valdosta National Annual Juried Exhibition. This event is unlike traditional galleries as it deviates from the usual pretty painted visuals style. The exhibition’s theme this year is “Art Spoken” and aims to create a unique and thought-provoking experience for visitors. It emphasizes “storytelling, challenging conversations, and artistic vision.”[1] The exhibition features a diverse array of mediums such as photography, sculpture, and paintings that have been carefully selected to inspire discussion and exploration. Every piece on display is a thought-provoking and powerful expression of art that aims to captivate the viewers’ hearts and minds. The exhibition has a thematic approach, exploring different concepts such as war, timelessness, the cycle of life, and the challenges faced by people of color, among others. It seeks to amplify “the unrepresented voices and perspectives of artists across the United States and showcase the talented students of Valdosta State University,” [1] as juror Olivia Richardson explains.
The exhibition’s physical layout reflects a deliberate curation, guiding visitors through a journey that underscores the power of “individualism”[1] and shared human experiences of those of color according to juror Richardson. The artworks are well-spaced, and the lighting and wall color contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the exhibition. Each piece can be appreciated individually while still contributing to the collective conversation. Additionally, insightful labels placed alongside artworks provide information on the artist’s name, title, dimensions, and the medium used, enhancing the audience’s engagement with the exhibition.
The accompanying statement given by the juror emphasizes the importance of storytelling, challenging conversations, and artistic vision. It adds a layer of depth to the viewing experience, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the exhibition and the political nature of art. The statement also acknowledges the remembrance of histories “lost to extreme violence in Palestine, Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of Congo,” and elsewhere, adding a poignant layer to the exhibition.
If you’re thinking about attending the exhibition, be prepared to immerse yourself in the artworks and experience them firsthand. Get ready to be captivated by the meticulous details woven into each piece, which offer profound insights into their underlying messages. It’s an experience that requires indulgence, inviting you to truly grasp the essence of the displayed artworks. Take, for instance, Rick Yasko’s Lunch Menu, a captivating exploration of the food chain cycle rendered in watercolor and ink. In this piece, the intricate details paint a vivid picture of life and death, predator and prey. The grid-like background, reminiscent of a tic-tac-toe board, sets the stage for the cycle’s unfolding drama. At the bottom, vulture-like birds swarm around the skeleton of a larger bird, their movements almost palpable as they indulge in the carcass. Ascending upwards, a different scene emerges—the life cycle of a shrimp, from its natural habitat to its fate as a meal. This juxtaposition evokes a profound sense of sadness and sympathy, underscoring the relentless cycle of life and death. What struck me most about this piece is its masterful use of color and line. The vibrant hues of purple and yellow in the grid background contrast beautifully with the coral pink of the shrimp and the boldness of the blackbirds, creating a harmonious flow. The placement is equally compelling—the shrimp’s life cycle is intricately woven into the grid, while the chaotic arrangement of the vultures at the bottom suggests their frenzied movement. In essence, Lunch Menu transcends mere imagery. It’s a poignant reflection on the delicate balance of nature and the inevitability of the food chain, leaving a lasting impression on all who behold it. I want to point out that although the Lunch Menu artwork is skillfully done, it may not align with the main theme, which is to represent life experiences and struggle. I feel that some of the other artworks on display also appear to be disconnected from this central theme.
While some pieces convey the struggle, pain, and sadness of African Americans, others seem to be placed on the walls for their appeal and look rather than their relevance to the exhibition’s theme. For instance, let’s take a look at the story of the Lunch Menu. On the surface, it appears to be a simple tale about the food chain, focusing on the dynamic of predator versus prey and the primal nature of life and death. However, this narrative may not be immediately connected to the struggles faced by African Americans or those living in regions such as Palestine, Lebanon, or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Without further explanation or a broader perspective on its imagery, most viewers may fail to understand its connection to the theme of struggle. On the other hand, the artwork Strike by Seongmin Yoo is a clear representation of conflict and unrest. It immediately captures the viewer’s attention and evokes a palpable sense of tension and apprehension. From the outset, it conveys a narrative of hardship and struggle that is distinct from the seemingly detached narrative of Lunch Menu.
Overall, I feel that the exhibition is well-structured in its layout, the pieces displayed, and the usage of different forms of art and their stories. However, after reading the juror’s statement and listening to the original concept of the exhibition, I feel that the theme was lost during the selection and final processes. The exhibition should have focused more on the struggles, war, and pain of African Americans, Palestine, The Democratic Republic of Congo, and Lebanon, rather than half-heartedly portraying them while showcasing pretty pieces of art.
[1]Richardson, “Art Spoken is…”, https://valdosta.edu/colleges/arts/art/gallery/artspoken.php.
(Date Accessed April 7, 2024)