April 23, 2008

Negotiating an Hour (or Two) with OWU Art Students

This year’s annual senior art show, “Negotiating the Hourglass,” is on display until May 11 in the Ross Art Museum.

The scene at Ross Art Museum on April 19 resembled a gallery opening more than a student exhibition. Then again, the exhibition in question was the annual senior art show, where graduating art students display their best work from their time at OWU.

“This is a celebration for seniors, a chance for us to show off our work in a formal gallery setting,” says Emily Bigelow ’08, who oversaw the event. “It’s completely student-run, too. We’ve been planning since January, starting with fundraising and creating a theme. Then we covered catering, the programs, and installation.”

The students chose the theme “Negotiating the Hourglass” to highlight the significance of time. Bigelow offers her interpretation of the theme:

“It’s about choosing how to spend the time we have left. Choosing to create art instead of sleep, negotiating within our academic schedules, time management, and the sheer amount of time spent on planning and creating.”

Twenty seniors displayed their work, which covered a wide array of styles and mediums.

“Our class really covered the spectrum of art,” says photography student Lynne Albers ’08. “Our diversity is what made our class unique—I think not a single medium of art isn’t represented.”

The museum walls, floors, and glass cases were filled with art: gelatin prints, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, and even a large oak carving.

Several seniors used the time concept to focus on the past, such as Laura Sloan’s stark prints of rusty, decaying houses and Lisa Dorazewski’s tribute to the now-obsolete Polaroid.

Some pieces hyper-emphasized reality, but others not quite as much. One piece in the middle of the room consisted of oversized alphabet blocks with babies sprouting from the interior. Some pieces would fit on your finger—literally. Others, including a massive charcoal canvas of a snaking dragon, threatened to eat you alive.

“This is a big deal for us,” says Anusha Lalwani ’08, whose area of study is graphic design and computer imaging. “I’m proud of the fact that we have an opportunity to show our work. We put a lot of effort into this, not just from January but from past years, past works as well.”

Their hard work appears to have paid off. The opening was well attended by students, parents, and faculty. Several art students were showing their work publicly for the first time, generating much positive response.

Manav Menon ’10 says: “I really liked the show. A lot of pieces captured different types of energy with the use of color and light. There are a few pieces I would have made an offer for, if I wasn’t a broke college student.”

“People have told me it’s a well laid-out show,” Bigelow says. “They know the aesthetic is important.”

Asked how she thought the event went, Bigelow concludes, “I’m very happy with the show, and to be a part of the senior tradition.”

Negotiating the Hourglass will be on display until May 11. Ross Art Museum is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. For more information, call (740) 368-3606.

– Bea Pantoja ’10