by Canita Ruan
“The 37th Annual Valdosta National” exhibition was held January 16th to February 7th, 2025, at the Dedo Maranville Gallery, organized by Mark Errol, director of the fine arts gallery at Valdosta State University. There were twenty-five artists from twelve states represented in this exhibition. Everyone from the public was welcome to visit the gallery and see the works selected for this exhibition. In the exhibition write-up, the juror for the exhibit, Michael McFalls, remarked on the outstanding quality of the artwork that was submitted and the difficulty of choosing just 25 pieces from 195 submissions. The juror said the work had, “Individual artistic excellence and cultural conversation.”[1] For the variety of pieces chosen, several of the artist’s pieces were featured in the same media more than once and were placed side by side on the gallery walls.
Entering the gallery, guests are provided with a QR code that enables them to access online artist statements of each artwork, by both the juror and the artists. I found it particularly enjoyable to explore the details of each piece on my device, while also enjoying the ambiance in the gallery of the white walls, lighting and comfortable seating. This environment was set for viewers to comfortably enjoy the diverse array of 2D and 3D artistic expressions including painting, mixed media, ceramics, sculpture, photography, fiber art, drawing, digital media, printmaking, and video animation. Every artwork is arranged in the gallery with a consistent height and is grouped according to its media or composition. However, due to the gallery being small, the collection of art pieces exhibited varies from small to an appropriate size that’s not too large. As the juror stated in his article, “The physical constraints of the gallery space inevitably shaped the final selection. Some excellent work that deserved to be seen couldn’t fit within these practical limitations.”[2] As a viewer, I’m left wondering, considering the size of the pieces, how strong and imaginative the other artwork were.
The first image you see when you enter the gallery is a large half-body portrait of a poised African American man on the right side of the entrance. Sean Micheal Thompson’s painting Juxtapose stood out at the show’s entrance because of its striking cultural style and innovative design elements, particularly the vibrant colors and abstract lines that breathe life into the painting. The title Juxtapose is further strengthened using contrasting shades of blue and green. As the artist said in their written statement, “The materials used, and processes mimic techniques used in comic book art and graffiti.”[3] Another key point he made in his statement, “The purposeful use of materials and subject matter mimics the experience of marginalized people.”[4] The artist’s intention to convey a deep meaning is apparent with the greens and yellows, which enhance the tones and overall composition of the painting. The color choice not only adds vibrancy but also reflects the emotional landscape of the marginalized people represented. This is an excellent work of art and is one of my favorite pieces as it sets a strong and captivating tone for the entire show.
When I walked up to Zane Alley’s work, Tom Davis Used Cars I felt a bit confused; I wasn’t quite sure how to interpret the artwork. The setting, color tones, and overall composition forced me to pause and take a closer look, as I sought to form a connection between the title and the artwork itself. Zane Alley’s composition depicts a scene outside what resembles an old shop or repair garage with trash cans and used seats. The natural sunlight casting light on the scene in the photo clearly shows that this picture was taken during the day. After a demanding workday, this location appears to be a place where individuals can unwind, recuperate, and bond. However, the presence of the protruding security camera in the corner of the picture prompts curiosity about the underlying message the artist intends to convey with the title. In the artist’s statement the artist states that he, “uses the edges between rural and urban southern life and juxtaposes nostalgia with absurdities of modern life.”[5] Thus, the mixture of graffiti on the windows, a tool kit from a truck that is used as part of a seating area and as previously mentioned, a protruding camera. This piece has me asking many questions; however, while it may not be one of my favorites, it is a piece I considered quite intriguing.
In conclusion, while I respect the juror’s decision to award first place to Sunroom for the End of the World by Jason Stout, it was not one I personally would have chosen. Instead, the piece that I would choose is Jason Stout’s second painting Sardonic Setting at the Artist Table. This painting draws my attention with its striking composition and vibrant color saturation, setting it apart from the other pieces in the gallery. All things considered, this was a successful show, with many great art pieces. One recommendation I would offer is to move the two pieces located in the hidden back right corner of the room to a more prominent position, as they appear hidden and may be overlooked by viewers.
References
37th Annual Valdosta Nationals Artists statement and review manual.
[1] Juror statement – Valdosta National 2025
[2] Juror statement – Valdosta National 2025
[3] Artist statement – Sean Micheal Thompson- Valdosta National 2025
[4] Artist statement – Sean Micheal Thompson -Valdosta National 2025
[5] Artist statement – Zane Alley Valdosta National 2025