Reflection (as defined by Oxford Languages)

1. The throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.
2. Serious thought or consideration

Drawing on a diverse collection of works from the GVSU permanent collection, “Beyond the Surface: Exploring Reflections in Art” delves into the multifaceted concept of reflection. Included are 42 modern and contemporary artists who explore the use of mirrors, water, glass, and innovative materials to create images that challenge our perceptions and invite us to look deeper.

Each piece encourages viewers to contemplate not only what is visible but also the unseen stories, spaces, and ideas mirrored back at us. In certain instances, artists use reflection to create expressive and revealing images of subjects in their work, and in others, they include themselves in contemplative self-portraits. Some works blur the line between real and reflected places, with exacting mirrored images that challenge our perspective. Other examples engage the uneven nature of reflection, as wind, rain, and light diffuse the landscape.