OCTOPUS POT—’Tsubo’ by John Pickelle. Josh Whitehead / the SWC Sun
By Ocean Romo
Southwestern’s Faculty Art Show has seen some heavyweights in its 65 years. John Baldessairi, the “Godfather of Conceptual Art,” has exhibited. So have John Matheny, Russell Baldwin and Michael Schnorr.
This year’s event was organized by Professor Marisol Rendon, herself elbowing her way into the conversation as one of SWC’s most talented ever faculty visual artists. Eric Rosciam, the Instructional Lab Technician for fine arts, put up the exhibit which has been and remains a showcase for striking faculty talent.
A total of 38 pieces were shown, including photos, drawings, prints, paintings, furniture, woodwork, ceramics, found objects, pyrography (burning onto leather) and etching.
A favorite was “Punk Cat” by Taylor LaRue. It was a frolicking piece that drew crowds of students. Rosciam said he also liked the piece.
“It is a cat and everyone loves cats,” he said. “It has a fun, playful spirit, especially with a cat smoking a cigarette. It has that punk rock aesthetic to it.”
Another notable piece was Jennifer Donovan’s “Una Convocatoria.” A complicated installation piece, it is comprised of an old analog cathode-ray tube TV in black and white showing someone inflating packaging materials like bubble wrap.
“It’s an ongoing project exploring people who are unable to cross the border or (return to) the country you were separated from,” said Rosciam. “It spoke to a lot of students because they, too, have family members or people they know who are not able to cross the border that they are separated from. It’s a way to honor their spirit and a reminder to think about them.”
Rendon, as always, contributed a brilliantly provocatively piece. “Actos de Reconciliación” is a delicately sewn canvas that Rosciam said he admired for its technique and message.
“It has this beautiful shape and texture–almost upholstery-esque–like old ceiling tile,” he said. “She grew black mold on it. Speckles growing all over it. Once students realize it is mold that’s growing on there, it’s that kind of surprise or intrigue that gets your attention.”
This year’s show was well-attended, Rosciam said, and packed with creativity.
“It’s a lot of work, but we always get it up on time,” he said. “We don’t have a lot of money and budget devoted to the gallery. So it takes a lot of work to compensate for that.”
Students and other guests appreciated the effort.
