Author: Rafe Kaplan

Senior artist presentations and exhibit

Friday, April 12, 6 p.m.

Gallery Theater, Samek Art Museum

Seniors and other artists

 

Five seniors gave quick presentations on their artwork in 10-15 minute periods. They talked about their pieces across their college career, their inspirations and then their final pieces. Afterwards, in the museum the students’ art pieces, along with other artists’ pieces, were on display.

 

The students each had their own approach to art and their own journey to reach where they are today in skill and achievement. I could tell they were excited to show their work and entertain us with their experience. They were well prepared and the art was very inventive, unique and authentic. In the museum, there pieces were masterly exhibited and were even more impressive in person than on the presentations.

 

The fact that students who are the same age as I am could create such incredible pieces of art was impressive. Their poise while telling the audience about their creations and art experiences was inspiring. In the museum, the pieces were on a whole new level of artistic ability. In all honesty, I was a bit jealous and wanted to try and catch up to their level of mastery.

 

This double event was an easy 9. The students were great, in both artistic talent and presentation, the other artists were okay too, Dan’s work is interesting, and the food was incredible.

 

Afro-Surrealism

Wednesday, March 27, 7 p.m.

Great Room, Hildreth-Mirza Hall

Guest Editor/ Professor of Race Lecture

 

Rochelle Spencer gave an hour-long presentation with a thirty-minute period, afterwards, for questions. She used a presentation equipped with links to guide her talk. She showed pieces of artwork, talked about history and discussed the future path for her research.

 

Professor Spencer was enthusiastic, bubbly and fun to listen to. Moving past the original technical difficulties, her love of the subject carried me through her presentation gracefully. I learned about a topic I had never heard of, or thought needed to exist in Afro-Surrealism and saw some interesting pieces of art that could influence my future work. The history was interesting, but the stunning artwork, that professor Spencer showed, stole the show. I think that there existing a category of stories, art and music completely centered on an African-American protagonist that anyone can write, or create is a beautiful addition to our society.

 

As I mentioned above, some of the artwork, namely this one sculpture really blew me away. I do not remember the artist, but it was a black form on a canvas with rocks hanging below on these old worn out ropes. I am not positive of what I saw in it, or its true meaning, but it was abstract and caught my eye.

 

I would rate this event an 8 because while interesting, it did not have a linear path, or one that made sense. Professor Spencer kind of jumped from idea to idea in a rough way.