By Sara Williams
As I enter the Dedo Maranville Fine Arts Gallery to view the “Valdosta National 2019: All-Media Juried Competition”, I feel as if I become enclosed in a trove of artworks that are desperately seeking attention. To varying degrees, the artworks suggest the presence of each artist offering insight into their motivation and intention behind each piece. Some pieces are confusing and chaotic and require more than a just few minutes of interpretation. Other artworks are serene and straightforward, requiring much less than a second thought. There is so much to look at in such a small space. The exhibition was quite enjoyable, however; and, there appears to be something for everyone.
The gallery itself is pleasant; however, the floor plan and placement of the artworks leave me feeling a bit perplexed. Interesting and pleasant color schemes are evident in places around the gallery. Other places around the gallery seem to be neglected and many artworks have an awkward presence next to its neighboring piece. I found the transition from viewing one piece to the next somewhat disconnected. Perhaps this was the intent, which would certainly add an interesting element to the mixed media event. The floor plan is what I find particularly obtuse. I might even be a little overly obsessed with the little nook in the back of the gallery which feels as if it keeps secrets from us. The idea that this is a good secret or a bad one is up for individual interpretation; but in this case, I felt the nook brought on a sense of welcoming peculiarity.
Located in the nook is Meg Aubrey’s Ottoman #2. It stands out between two pieces which feel as if they are ducking out of sight to allow for Aubrey’s work to tell its story. This assessment of mine is not to impugn the work of the other two artists, but I cannot help but appreciate the placement of these pieces despite being placed in the nook. Aubrey’s Ottoman #2, for me, is far more thought-inducing than I anticipated upon my first glance at the painting.
Meg Aubrey, Ottoman #2, Oil on Canvas
This cute painting is comprised of a bubblegum pink ottoman and a fashionable handbag in joyful blue against a neutral background. The items in Aubrey’s oil painting perhaps suggest the uniformity of a typical suburban lifestyle. In addition, the artist’s use of blue and pink could suggest this may also be a commentary piece about gender roles in society and their frequent misinterpretations. The items in the painting are placed as simply as the items themselves would be in the home. The ottoman and the handbag serve a valuable purpose to their owner. The intentional placement of the items in the painting is interesting compositionally, as well as, subjectively. Although this piece did not place nor receive an honorable mention, the inclusion in this exhibition is quite appropriate as it delivers a diverse rendering of contemporary art.
In the tune of contemporary art, an example of chaos may be found riddled in the gallery through Richard Pruett’s two pieces, Now Hear Man and Blessing. Placing third in the exhibition is Pruett’s piece, Now Hear Man, which attempts to enlighten me to the appeal of making sense out of chaos.
R. Pruett, Now Hear Man, Acrylic on Canvas
It certainly is a goal for most people to make that connection, and what better platform to indulge in that spectacle than tangible art? The two pieces require a few minutes to absorb the intensity of everything that is going on. The colors are not especially vibrant but are bold. The organic and geometric forms overlap each other in a way that made me become awkwardly lost in the artwork. It was quite a peculiar experience. Pruett’s artworks scream havoc in the gallery but add to the balance of diversity on the walls. Even though the two pieces are not placed adjacent to one another, they are clearly related in some way as is evident in the style of the painting and its colors. When I look at Pruett’s artworks, I liken the experience to making scrambled eggs — the beaten eggs no longer resemble the standard image of an egg in its shell. The paintings are challenging to decipher but are certainly interesting and appropriate for this exhibition.
Easier on the eyes and quite serene are the plein air graphite drawings by Steven Bradbury, Headsprings at Twilight and Ichetucknee Head Springs Twilight #6. Both drawings earned Bradbury an honorable mention, a truly deserved nod. While these artworks are not large, they are powerful. I am quite familiar with Ichetucknee Springs State Park, as I live adjacent to the area in Columbia County, Florida. The springs are popular among the locals who crave the peaceful scenery of nature and a cool swim in the spring fed river. The trees serve as shade from the sun where one can bathe in the water holes as feisty otters and other wildlife play nearby. At night, the moon lights up some of the pale plants that are invisible during the day.
Steven Bradbury, Headsprings at Twilight, graphite
In Bradbury’s drawings, I feel like I can experience the smells and sounds of the springs. Bradbury illuminates the scene with a reductive process but does not take away from the adventure that is found within the springs. Ichetucknee springs, to me, is one of the most enjoyable places where one can evade the hustle and economical strain of theme parks. Bradbury captures the peaceful complexity of nature found in Florida’s Ichetucknee springs, which serves as a glimpse into Florida’s beauty that is not found in common tourist areas. Honestly, this is the part of Florida that I love. Bradbury’s drawings are captivating and made me stand for more than a few moments contemplating if the thought process was to make simplicity appear louder than chaos.
The “Valdosta National 2019: All-Media Juried Competition” was a fun experience with diversity on every wall. The gallery’s peculiar little nook was a surprising little addition which proved to be enjoyable, as well. The exhibition had something for all viewers. Considering how much art as was packed into the gallery, hopefully viewers were intrigued to explore the diverse genres offered by the exhibition.
Sara Williams is a Bachelor of Fine Arts student at Valdosta State University majoring in Art Education. While focusing on art education, Williams discovered valuable research in the field of art therapy. Graduate school and a career in art education or art therapy is on the horizon.