Author: Jennifer Delabra

Valdosta State Senior Gloria Townsend

by Jennifer Delabra

digital drawing. a self portrait of Townsend
Self-Portrait of Gloria Townsend, Digital media

“My work is for the people that are a little eccentric,” said Gloria Townsend as she answered questions in preparation to show work in the Valdosta State Senior exhibition. Townsend is graduating from Valdosta State University in 2022. She, along with many other art students, have had the pressure of balancing school life and creating their art. When in a classroom Townsend works at her own pace and world. Often found to be quiet while working with her headphones on; she will still have a friendly conversation with anyone who approaches. Her slight awkwardness is endearing as she is asked what she is working on and asks back the same question with sincerity. Townsend may be shy in person but her art is not. Her interest in horror, fantasy and representation shine through. She identifies as a queer black artist and is inspired by stories, fiction, animation, and providing representation for people like her.

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Ah

by Jennifer Delabra

“The object of art is not to reproduce reality, but to create a reality of the same intensity”

-Alberto Giacometti.

 The exhibition “Black is…” showcases works by two artists, Samuel Dunson and Traci Mims. It is presented by Dedo Maranville Fine Arts Gallery in Valdosta Georgia from February 14th  through March 4th, 2022. In these works shown, “Black”  reality can be seen in vibrant color, realistic faces and described in different ways.

            The Dedo Maranville Gallery is located on campus of Valdosta State University in the Fine arts building. It has many students walking in and out of the building minding their business creating a calm vibe. There is no pressure to immediately go straight to viewing art, so it’s okay to take time. The glass doors to the gallery show a glimpse of what one could find inside. The openness of the set up calls one in because it is simple and reassuring. There are no stands or pillars that could be accidently knocked over, only white walls in which the pieces are hung on and black benches to sit on. It feels safe to stand up or sit down and look at the pieces from a distance. There are two stand alone walls that separate the center from the gallery’s front and back walls, creating a sense of privacy in an open space. Considering the works and their topics, privacy could allow the viewer to process the work in a deeper way.

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