Title: Shark Tank – Studio Art Major Senior Exhibition by Natalie Ring
Date/Time: Thursday, February 10th, 5p
Location: Holmes Hall
Event Type: Reception/Open gallery
1.) Provide a brief detail-oriented technical description or summary of the event you attended.
Natalie Ring presented her senior studio art gallery, a series of 5 oil paintings depicting sharks and women. Natalie was at the gallery during the event answering any questions about the work. She briefly explained the pieces and why she had a passion for this project, but mainly allowed the viewers to enjoy the work.
2.) Use the section below to write a well-structured paragraph focusing on your personal critical insight/response to the event. How did you interpret or react to what was presented to you?
I think this event and series in particular is very important at Bucknell. Natalie created this series to show the danger that women are put in here at Bucknell, as it almost feels like sharks are circling them every time they go to a party or are just out at night. The gallery gave me a claustrophobic feeling because it was small, which helped to make me feel like I was inside of a shark tank. I think Natalie did a really good job of setting up the space and making use of it. The only critique I have is that I wish there would have been more detail on each specific piece. There was a general explanation of the artists vision for each piece but I would have loved to have read a small description of each piece individually.
3.) What information, ideas, images, etc. most impressed you and why?
From when I first set foot in the room, I was amazed by how immersive it was. All 5 of the works in the series were depicting sharks circling women and utilized a palate of greens, blues, and white. This blueish theme was mimicked with the lights all having a blue tint, as well as layers of blue wrap being put on the glass entrance walls. This made me feel like I was actually in a shark tank, an experience that Natalie definitely wanted to capture for the viewer. Upon closer inspection, I loved to see how detailed each of her pieces were, with very smooth and realistic shadows and painting on the women and the sharks.
4.) Overall, how would you rate this event (10 being the most worthwhile)?
9
5.) Justify your rating in the question above:
Like I stated above, I have hardly any critiques for this gallery and felt fully immersed in the experience. The gallery is up until February 18th so I would highly recommend going!