By Alayna Anderson
The 2021 Spring Senior Exhibition, LivinginColor, features the artwork of twenty different senior artists. All of which who are graduating from Valdosta State University. Due to circumstances regarding the pandemic, this exhibition is virtual. Unfortunately, viewing art online often leaves out artistic details. This makes it difficult to observe brush strokes, get a sense of scale, and view three-dimensional art from all angles. Despite the difficulties that a virtual exhibit present, the sheer exposure into the minds of the art community can still be a positive experience. Viewers can observe art online that they otherwise might not have been able to experience.
LivinginColor is poignantly designed and well organized. The online audience’s experience begins with a visit to the feature page where the LivinginColor logo is prominently displayed as well as a detailed description of the exhibit. The website allows visitors to view colorful portraits of each individual artist from this year’s senior class. Patrons can quickly find a particular artist of interest by taking advantage of the alphabetical catalog of names. Once an art enthusiast finds an artist the enthusiast can simply click on the artist’s picture. This will link a viewer to a new page that highlights that particular artist. This webpage offers a glimpse into the creative mind of said artist. Here patrons are able to read an online biography, connect with the artist on social media and view their work. Each artist’s page displays five to ten pieces. On-line viewers may be surprised to discover that they are able to interact with the artist and other patrons. Viewers can leave an uplifting comment or constructive criticism. To the delight of all involved, most of the comments posted so far have been positive and encouraging.
At the bottom of each artist page the artist has included a statement. The artists value this opportunity to make personal statements about their work. Especially the artists who chose to make art that speaks out on important social issues. Jenni Steltenpohl and Jadah Alford are social activist through their art.
Safe, Sane, and Consensual, Screen Print, 14 x 11 inches, 2021
One artist who is very popular among viewers is Jenni Steltenpohl. Steltenpohl uses a variety of media when creating her artwork. Her work speaks on the topics of women rights and social injustices. In Steltenpohl’s artist statement she asserts, “As I struggle with my own health, I am sharing these feelings as a method of connectivity to others who may find inspiration to discuss and gain knowledge of their own battles.” (Steltenpohl, 2021) It is powerful that she allowed herself to be vulnerable by sharing her feelings in her art so that viewers can connect and learn about each other and ourselves. Steltenpohl’s prints titled Safe, Sane, and Consensual stand out the most. These three prints are reminiscent of the Andy Warhol prints of Marilyn Monroe. Like Warhol, Steltenpohl uses a variety of different colors. Steltenpohl’s prints feature a pair of hands being held down at the wrist by another pair of hands. Below these hands at a diagonal are the words, “SAFE IN YOUR HANDS. KNOW OUR LIMITS. CONSENT IS SEXY.” Just another example, of how this artist is speaking out against sexual injustice.
The Closet, Relief print, 24 x 18 inches, 2019
Jadah Alford is another artist in this year’s exhibit. She too, shows vulnerability in the art she creates. As a homosexual, her work reflects on the challenges she has faced throughout her life. A few of Alford’s pieces refer to “coming out of the closet”. A termed used to express that someone is making it public that they are homosexual. Alford also uses upside down triangles in her pieces. In Alford’s artist statement she states, “Learning more about the history of the Holocaust, I was imprinted by the horrible idea of how Nazis would use a upside down pink triangle to label and separate homosexual victims. I use this symbolism commonly in my artwork to show a new coming of times, but to also remember where times once were.” (Alford, 2021) The work, Paragraph 175, illustrates this statement in a more expressive way. Behind a charcoaled barbwire fence are Jews during the holocaust in their “stripped pajamas”. Stitched into these striped pajamas is an upside-down triangle as well as the word “HUMAN”. However, their faces are upside down pyramids. All except for one. Alford stitched an upside-down pink felt triangle as one of the Jews face.
Paragraph 175, Charcoal and felt, 36 x 45 inches, 2021
This exhibition as a whole includes several heart-wrenching, conversation starting, and connective pieces. I will admit that not all pieces were college standard works of art. While many pieces felt as if the artists had been working their craft for a lifetime, some pieces felt like little effort was exerted. Patrons will find that the online exhibit, while not ideal, is certainly worthwhile. The page is easy to navigate; provides biographical information, moving pieces, and an interactive portion. The 2021 Spring Senior Exhibition, LivinginColor, is a virtual art show that allows art enthusiasts to experience amazing artwork that otherwise may not have been seen.
Alayna Anderson is a senior at Valdosta State University studying art education. Post-graduation Anderson plans on becoming a high school art teacher.