I think i said no
Student artworks are diverse, accomplished
Jasmin Pichlyk
Well, it’s finally come down to this, the big finale at Gallery One One One — that’s right, the thesis show displaying work from the School of Art’s graduating thesis students. The show, borrowing its name from Jenny Moore-Koslowsky’s contributing piece, is titled i think i said no.
With such a subjective title, I’m left wondering, to what exactly is one saying no? A look into the gallery may aid in determining a partial response to this question. Perhaps “no” to the traditional ideals of art? Perhaps “no” to conforming to any specific artistic standards? Or perhaps simply “no” to employing conventional media to execute one’s artistic vision? Regardless of the answer, or if there is an answer, the show itself is a highly enjoyable treat that will challenge most preconceived notions of student art as being shallow, poorly rendered, formulaic drivel.
The exhibit includes a wide range of diverse mediums, from ceramics to photography, paintings to bronze sculpture, threadwork to graphic design, woodworks to ink on paper, and a performance piece to boot! This performance, by Denise C. Miller, involved the weaving of a web-like structure constructed with wool and beads. Although it was assembled the night of the opening, it remains a fixture in the windows of the gallery. Thematically, there appears to be a trend in the resurrection of traditional crafts-Womanship. Such is the case for the self-titled performance piece, as well as Koslowsky’s “i think i said no” and Eryn Thorey Mackenzie’s “this is all,” which both include the use of embroidery floss.
Also, the inclusion of graphic design major John Funk’s “Sun Records” is appreciated, bringing into context the artistic merit often overlooked with digital imaging. The piece contrasts well other freestanding, three-dimensional pieces in the show. Beautifully presented in a display case, Funk’s work consists of a CD, foldout CD case, booklet and container. It makes one think that if all CDs were this well designed and packaged, the $20 price tag would actually be worth it, if only for the art work itself.
The versatility of digital imaging is further exemplified in Mhelanni Gorre’s humorous photograph, “Suburban Mario Land #1” and Liane Veronika Bergen’s religiously challenging “Mary, Today.” Other photographs are slightly more traditional in the sense that they capture candid portrayals of everyday life, such as Cindy Donatelli’s “American Spectacle #1” and Amy Barker’s “Dean, Ottawa,” or a well-structured composition, which Avery Roos achieves with “Crinoline Series.”
With an in-depth exploration of all pieces displayed, viewers can recognize the pride these artists have for themselves and their accomplishments. And in response to my initial question, I believe all answers are pertinent. Furthermore, I’ve deduced the possibility that the artists are saying “no” to anyone who believed they could not succeed, because here they are, in all their glory.
i think i said no runs until April 13 at Gallery One One One, located on the first floor of the FitzGerald Building.
