New exhibits convey artistic talent through various media

Cardboard, movie posters and medicinal plants were among the themes of this week’s senior art shows. The exhibits of Audra Starr, Noelle Rose, Katey Follett, Marcus Peden and Amanda Brownlee opened on April 20.

Starr’s collection, “Cardboard Confessions” evoked the feel of the popular blog PostSecret but with a twist. She took pictures of people holding up pieces of cardboard with a secret from the subject. The cardboard was displayed with the photos which were printed on a translucent paper.

“I wanted to do something that would present the church in a more approachable manner,” Starr said.

While the work is not directly religious, her beliefs showed through her photography.

Art professor Emily Gomez had great things to say about Starr’s work.

“I was floored by the images,” Gomez said. “I feel like the exhibit shows who Audra is.”

Rose’s show, “Now Playing,” was more lighthearted in its tone. She made movie posters depicting her friends in leading roles which also conveyed her personal interest in film.

“I interviewed my friends and created movie posters based on their personalities,” Rose said.

In addition to making the posters, Rose created basic plotlines for her fictitious films, which were posted next to the pieces, combining a love of storytelling with a love of film.

Follett’s show, “Back Yonder: Revisiting McRae,” used photography to depict the small town of McRae, Ga., where her grandfather lived and where her mother grew up.

Her work created a sense of nostalgia in the viewer, making them long for a simpler place. It also evoked memories of a time long gone.

Peden’s show, “Cycle,” was part of his liberal studies capstone. With concentrations in art, biology, math and English, he combined his areas of study into a show that conveyed his passions. His show centered mainly on his interest in biology.

“I wanted to focus on the idea of conservation,” Peden said.

Black and white portraits lined the wall and negatives depicted medicinal plants. On the floor below, rugs covered facts about the plants and their properties and statistics about the ailments they treat.

Peden explained the idea behind the rugs.

“We sweep these ideas under the rug because we don’t like to think about them,” Peden said.

Brownlee’s show, “Reminiscence,” explored themes of relaxation through play.

“I wanted to do something simple and inspiring,” Brownlee said.

Her images were black and white photos and silkscreen on magnets. Below the photos were words describing them, with blank magnets provided for viewers to write their own names for the pieces.

These shows will be on display in the Wooten-Garner House and Blackbridge Hall until April 24.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Apr 24 2009. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry