May 2024 – Art Criticism

McKenize Simpson and Her Idea of Home

By Amy Graham

McKenzie Simpson is from Quitman, Georgia and is a senior at Valdosta State University. Simpson’s work in “Spectrum,” the Valdosta State University’s spring 2024 senior show, focuses on the theme of home as well as bringing printmaking from the two-dimensional space into the three-dimensional world. She uses mixed media to incorporate screen printing into three-dimensional objects. She explains that the theme of home came to be after she was asked about her interior designs and why she created them. Prior to that conversation she thought the interior spaces were just an obsession with colors and rooms. However, that changed once she realized they were connected to her idealized version of home. She explained that home was not necessarily a place, but the people she cares about.

Art Spoken Exhibition Review

by Chelsea Selph

On January 10th, 2023 an exhibition titled “Art Spoken” was opened to the public at Valdosta State University’s Dedo Maranville Gallery. The exhibit, curated by Mark Errol, aims to highlight underrepresented voices. The juror chosen was Olivia Richardson from Northern Virginia. Richardson is mainly a printmaker who focuses on creating artwork that explores her identity as a person of color. That fits right in with the theme of Art Spoken, so Richardson was a good choice for the juror of this show.

Spectrum Exhibition Review

by Chelsea Selph

On April 7th, 2024 an exhibition titled “Spectrum” was opened to the public at Valdosta State University’s Dedo Maranville Gallery. This exhibition is being held to display the talents of Valdosta State University’s seniors in our art programs. The title “Spectrum” is to exhibit the multitude of art forms used by the students in this show, everything from ceramics to printmaking. Seven students from VSU showcased their talents in this exhibition, and now you get to be introduced to their works.