EMMA SCHAIBLE
Special to The Leader
Why art? Better question: Why not art?
Art has such a fluid definition, full of complexity yet simplicity. On April 15, the opening reception of Senior Show I was open to the public. Twelve undergraduate senior artists that were full of ambition and creativity proudly displayed their work in the Marion Art Gallery.
Senior Show I was student led under the direction of Barbara Räcker, director of the Marion Art Gallery. The artwork illustrated diversity, variety, creativity and expression.
Much of the displayed artwork was inspired by the thoughts and opinions of the artists. The artwork expressed a thought or opinion through color, shape, lines and different forms. All of the art conveyed a deeper message in which the viewer was free to interpret.
“Art can be anything,” said Räcker. “Like you see in this exhibition, it is art by graphic designers, painters, [animators] — it’s every concentration.”
Räcker said that each senior exhibition lasts for seven days. She hopes that after looking at the senior showcase, people are proud of the seniors.
“The quality of their work … it’s very diverse work, high-quality in all areas … so it’s a celebration of our students,” she said.
Räcker believes that there is something in the gallery for everyone.
“Art is also about what the viewer brings to it, not just what the artist meant by it. We all bring our own backgrounds and understandings to the pieces,” she said.
Upon looking at the art, most displayed a deeper meaning. Each piece had a message interlaced inside of the artwork. Contrasting ideas played with contrasting thoughts.
On the wall hung images of stuffed animals as a part of one exhibit. The main message of this piece was the innocence that stuffed animals actually lack. Upon looking at this piece, the viewer questions his or her initial understanding of interpretation of a stuffed animal.
Common themes such as identity, emotion and technology were reflected through the presented artwork. A piece of artwork titled “Investigations and Shaping” was created by senior drawing and painting major Alisia Rodriguez. Rodriguez incorporated the use of mixed media on paper in her piece.
Original fictional characters created by Rodriguez came to life on paper. Rodriguez explained her love for making up characters and using art as an outlet to articulate and develop her characters.
“[For] a lot of characters, I try to delve into their minds,” Rodriguez said. “I was trying to feel through them. This entire piece was to show the importance of process. It is really important to try to have a process to go through.”
Rodriguez wanted to show people through her art piece that creating art takes more than just talent, but dedication.
“It takes more than just one sketch; it takes time to do anything,” Rodriguez said. “[I] really just wanted to lay out physically that it takes a lot of exploring to figure it out.” Michaela Melson, junior visual arts and new media major, said she enjoyed seeing the artwork and enjoyed supporting her friends that had their artwork displayed in Senior Show I. When asked what one word defines art, Melson simply replied, “inspiration.”
The opening reception for the next Senior Show will be held on April 29 at 7 p.m. Admission to the Senior Show is free and open to the public.