///Some, The Definitive 3rd Year Review
Art Lofts Gallery, University of Wisconsin – Madison
111 North Frances St.
///Some, A Definitive 3rd Year Review
As the fall semester gets off to a busy start, graduate students working towards their MA and MFA degrees are exhibiting their latest artworks. This year’s review show is entitled: ///Some. Eighteen graduate students in the art department are each exhibiting one piece that best articulates a culmination of their previous two years of study.
Art Lofts Gallery
Upon first entering the exhibition space, the viewer’s initial response may be one of surprise. The seemingly sparse amount of art housed in the large room sets a quiet tone. This initial confrontation of stark openness mellows out after a few moments of adjusting to the mood. The calmly lit, concrete gallery and it’s white walls, demand a sense of quiet observation from the viewer. Focusing with such intensity as if you are listening to hear the art speak, rather than simply looking at it. The tone is aptly set complimenting the generality of a muted palette amongst the paintings, prints and sculptures speckled throughout. Effectively drawing the viewer in for further examination; each individual piece begins to provide evidence of greater detail through craftsmanship, and in some cases, significant conceptual meaning. Kendall McMinimy’s piece, Eminence Dissipated, is a fine example of exploration of materials and well controlled technique. He uses white plaster to produce geometric shapes in an off kilter arrangement. A circular relief form presents color and pattern of unrecognizable imagery. McMinimy’s piece draws the viewer’s eye in every direction that the seemingly subtle characteristics of the plaster material is now alive with rhythm.
Kendall McMinimy, Eminence Dissipated, Plaster and Acrylic
On the opposite side of the room a small plastic tarp hangs nonchalantly by two pins on each corner of its horizontal length. Unusually shaped with cut in square edges and the occasional organic hole shape, the clear plastic has been carefully embroidered with thread and encased in a blanket stitch. Large powder pink and rose colored lettering across the lower half read, “I could just give up and be my mother.” The piece is titled Dowry by Dominique Haller. Without having the luxury of seeing any other work by the artist, it is difficult to the level of sarcasm that Haller is striving for. Undoubtably every viewer will take away a different response.
Dominique Haller, Dowry, Plastic Tarp, Thread
Almost hidden, on the back right wall of the gallery is Eulogy, by Jordan Adams. This large scale oil painting on panel has an unusual quality mark-making. Unlike traditional oil on panel seen through the eons of art history, Adams’ approach challenges medium and application. Dark ruddy black-browns and a center vignette of fuschia tinted oils melt across the surface creating an illusion of a wondrous landscape. Some portions have been tightly controlled to juxtapose the gravity induced dripping with straight edges. The title lends a melancholy atmosphere to the work, yet the technique provides a more magical one.
Jordan Adams, Eulogy, Oil on Panel
The overall exhibit holds together in continuity with a muted palette. Amidst the silent nature of the show characteristics of movement appear to create “noise” however subtle it may be. The level of ability that each artist is able to express their own theory and stand out in a room of highly trained artists is impressive.
Jason Gray, Rhyk’th the Cannibal, Glass, Wood Veneer, Steel, Skull of Rhyk’th
The art department at the University of Wisconsin – Madison’s reins with prominence in the academic art world. In a national survey conducted by U.S. News, UW-Madison’s overall graduate art program ranks in at number eighteen. Scoring even higher in printmaking and metals at second and third place.
Natasha Hovey, 1,4 – Alpha Glycosidic Bond, Ceramic Cone 4 Oxidation, Flocking
The show runs through September 20th
Optic Ink 