Andrew Vickery, a senior majoring in visual studies, assists with the
installation of Claire Ashley's artwork in the Padnos Student Gallery.
Photo Credit:
Kendra Stanley-Mills
Beginning January 12, this gallery space will house an
exhibition, 'Distant Viridian Crush' by guest artist Claire Ashley.
Photo Credit:
Liv Chow
A new exhibition in the Calder Arts Center is showcasing inflatable
painted structures while also enhancing use of space in the Padnos
Student Gallery.
"Distant Viridian Crush" by Chicago-based guest artist
Claire Ashley "mines the language of painterly abstraction,
monumental sculpture, slapstick humor, and Pop Art to transform
ordinary materials into inflatable painted sculptures," according
to a description of the artwork.
The show runs from January 12-February 2, with an opening reception
on January 12 from 5-7 p.m.
The exhibition also represents an opportunity to differently utilize
the space that is generally reserved for student show proposals and
coursework-related projects. Because those works naturally culminate
later in the semester, the gallery space is usually empty at the
beginning of the semester, said Dulcee Boehm, gallery director and
curator of visual resources for the Visual and Media Arts Department.
Bringing in a professional artist who can also interact with students
on different aspects of the exhibition provides a new learning
opportunity while also staying true to the gallery's student-centered
focus, Boehm said.
"During Claire's visit, students will have the opportunity to
see her work unfold in the gallery in real time, plus students have
been invited to help her in the installation process; larger-scale
work like hers simply requires help from others," Boehm said.
"Working directly with a professional artist is a unique
opportunity for students, and provides them with a new professional connection."
Boehm noted Ashley's work relates to multiple areas of VMA as well as
the university. For instance, Ashley has incorporated soundscapes
within her installation-based works.
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