Introduction
An exhibition is a showcase, an organized presentation and a display or artistic items. An exhibition enables an artist to display their artwork for the viewing of other artists and people in general. This particular exhibition took place on the 20th of March 2014. The exhibition showcased artwork from three different artists. These artists were Deborah Keller-Rhin, Sarah T. Roberts and Pam Ameduri. The exhibition contains artwork from the above named artists. The art on display is inspired by different things. This is evident from the emotions provoked by the artwork itself. The design of the exhibition featured open space where the artists displayed their artwork. The artists were at liberty to model the space as it best suited their needs. Some of the artwork was hang on the wall, with the big pieces placed on the floor while leaning on the wall for support. In my opinion, the design of the exhibition was contemporary and efficient. This is because it allowed for the ample display of the artwork and sufficient space to allow mobility of viewers.
Artwork by Sarah T. Roberts
In order to understand artwork comprehensively, it is important to look at it in the context of the artist’s frame of mind, especially when developing the artwork. This is because the mental situation of the artist is more often than not reflected in the artwork developed. The art by Sarah T. Roberts reflects a solemn mood. This is indicated in the colors used in her paintings. Bright colors usually mimic happy feelings and a settled state of mind. This general outlook is in line with her inner feelings. In her artist’s statement, Sarah confided that her art was inspired by the demise of her mother because of breast cancer. She added that some of the themes depicted in her artwork include the trauma of loss and the change of identity resulting from the trauma. In my perspective, this is richly evident in her artwork through some of the near abstract forms she had displayed. It is my opinion that some of her art needs a keen eye in order to decipher what is being represented. However, after traversing this barrier, one feasts on the myriad of emotions represented in her artwork, often two antagonistic emotions in the same piece of art. For instance, there is one where she has many heads with smiles and frowns alternating between the heads. This is in line with her artist’s statement where she not only portrays a solemn mood because of the demise of her mother, but also a happy feeling because of the pleasure she finds in controlling objects.
In her work, Sarah exploits different kinds of visual representations. The most predominant is the representational abstraction where the artist depicts natural and man-made objects in a distorted, sometimes simplified and exaggerated manner. The theme of the human experience is also predominant in her work. As discussed earlier, her art is inspired by among others the demise of her mother. This is an experience that not only connects human beings across time, but also place.
As espoused earlier, it requires a keen eye to decipher Sarah’s artwork. However, one cannot help feel the solemn emotion and sorrow that oozes out of some of her pieces. Although others have a lighter feeling of happiness in an abstract form, they are still tempered with confusion and complexity of issues.
Artwork by Pam Ameduri
The art by Ameduri is unlike that of Sarah in terms of assemblage and inspiration. Ameduri’s exhibition shows different human forms, ancient forms in human history and spiritual forms of the Christ’s era. The use of color in her exhibits is effective because more often than not, her pieces contain more than one form. The use of color in this case is effective in distinguishing the different forms. One of the themes that stand out in her work is feminism. One can argue that this is rather obvious given her gender. However, I felt that feminism permeated deeper past the veil of gender socialization in the contemporary society to the eternal feminine figures of the New Testament biblically speaking. This is shown in the form of the Holy Mary dressed in long gown carrying baby Jesus, and around her flanked by other women. As highlighted earlier, this is an incarnation of an eternal female figure from the past.
One of the themes predominant in her art is the sacred religion art as seen through the use of religious figures and the citation of religious knowledge as the source of inspiration. This also touches on the theme of human experience because religion is a phenomenon that connects all people, irrespective of their affiliations. The category if visualization exploited by the artist is the representational depiction. This is because she uses items that we see overtly in space and form. The artist uses different visual elements to express herself her pieces. Some of these visual elements include color, texture and contrast. Her art evokes different feelings and ideas in the viewer. For instance, looking at her artwork, I felt reminiscent of the ancient days from the accumulated knowledge, the place of religion and spirituality in the contemporary society and the role that women play in today’s world vis-à-vis the olden days.
Artwork by Deborah Keller-Rhin
Deborah’s work is unlike that of the two artists in the exhibitions. Her art feels livelier in terms of what is seen. Firstly, unlike the work of the other artists, Deborah’s works features full human figures. Some of her pieces are set in a cosmopolitan place as evidenced by mode of transport. The architectural designs in her art also collaborate the setting. It is my feeling that her artwork traverses time and place. In terms of time, I think her art depicts the progression of time, and of all things along with time. This is shown through the changing demographics in her art. Some pieces show a small child who later grows into a mature woman in the last exhibit in her display. There also change in demographics in terms of the number of people creating art. One of the themes depicted in her art include endurance. This theme might be disguised for many but I think it is shown in the endurance or art across the span of time. Additionally, there is the feeling that arts brings about creativity and a happy feeling. I feel that this is what gives its enduring nature. There is also the feeling of harmony in her art, even in the face of poor social amenities.
The visual representation category used by the artist is the representational depiction because of the use of items that are common in everyday life. Different visual elements in the artwork also help create different illusions. For instance, the artist employed lines effectively to bring about harmony. This provokes different feelings in the viewer. For instance, her art caused me to reflect in the place of art in our society. In my opinion, it adds value to our lives by bringing about light-hearted moments and causing cohesion among the populace as is seen in one of her pieces where different kinds of people take part in art.
Conclusion
Art is everywhere in our surroundings. Our ability to decipher different artistic representations is arguably what is lacking. Exhibitions seek to remedy this through the display of art four our viewing pleasure and learning. It is important to appreciate art because it communicates that which is apparent in our society through ways that not only entertain but also enlighten. This exhibition was very effective in these two aspects.
