By Karen Badillo
For the exhibition review I visited the “VSU Art and Design Faculty Exhibition” located in the Dedo Maranville Fine Arts Gallery. As I was viewing all the artworks in the exhibition I gathered very quickly that the pieces were so different from one another, yet beautiful and some even mesmerizing. Each artist had something new to offer. I was excited to see what the next piece was about, each work giving me another experience or feeling.
Sean Hurley’s Studio, Johnson, VT. The medium used by the artist is charcoal. Hurley’s artwork represents a small space in a corner with two door entries, one located at the left of the drawing and the other at the right. In the center you will find two sinks, which is the main focus of the artwork. The work is mainly made up of geometric shapes. It is clear Hurley studied the subject significantly. The line value shows the detailing of the wood panels on the floor and the walls. It is all so precise and neat. You can see the reflective surfaces and the shadows, perfectly. There is a great deal of value contrast, creating the spatial illusion. It has such a clear form that’s captivating and makes you want to study it.
The next piece is Julie Bowland’s Clam Creek at Jekyll Island, oil on canvas, plein air, 12×36 inches. Looking at Bowland’s pieces in the show you can easily notice she is very passionate with her work. This specific painting uses rich and vibrant colors. The use of paint
suggests movement throughout the entire piece. The clouds above seem to move toward the left. The trees and grass appear to sway as if there is wind.
Last but not least, Craig Hawkin’s A Place at the Table. The medium used for this work was charcoal. Here we have a drawing that has lots of movement. Christ is holding the sacramental bread, also known as the Communion bread. In some religions, mainly Christianity, the sacramental bread represents the Body of Christ, the Bread of Life. The drawing starts at the top with Christ holding up the bread as if he is blessing it. Then he lowers the bread to the bottom center, his hands break the bread and he begins to hand it off, to his left and his right. This piece could have varied interpretations, but to me there is no doubt it tells a story and it is stated in the title. A Place at the Table, my take from this is that there will always be room for those who believe in Christ the Savior.
Those who bring him glory, those who love him will always be welcome. This was a piece that left me mesmerized. The detailing is so complex, Hawkins used a blurred effect which gave a sense of movement throughout his artwork . Hurley’s use of detail was developed from direct observation. A Place at the Table was satisfying, and even though it is complex I felt calmed by it. Hawkins’ artwork speaks volumes about his Christianity.
These works were an example of what I believe the exhibit was portraying: expressionism. All of the artworks corresponded with the theme. They all grasped attention, sparked emotions, and some pieces left a few of us wondering. All in all, the “VSU Art and Design Faculty Exhibition” was very engaging and enjoyable.
Karen Badillo is an art major at VSU, from Thomasville, Ga.