The "Unified" Art Exhibit
This week the U of SC Aiken Department of Visual and Performing Arts hosted a Senior Art Exhibition in the upper gallery of the Etherredge Center.
The exhibition was titled “Unified,” and showcased art by senior students Amber Bryant, Kingerely Gomillion, Isabel Martinez, Joshua A. Montgomery, Gressa Olsen, Michelle “Michi” Pate, Deja Savage, Megan Toole and Samantha R. Vigoya.
Toole created four paintings and a plaster carving for the exhibit.
“The paintings have narratives that I would want to inspire personal growth and reflection,” she said.
Vigoya’s art in this exhibit consists of various portraits using various mediums; colored pencil, acrylics and even digital art.
“Each portrait is made with a new medium so I can experiment with new choices,” said Vigoya. “I want to show the viewers that improvement can constantly happen if you keep on practicing.”
Martinez created eight pieces for this exhibit – three digital drwaings, three photography pieces and two ceramic pieces.
“I wanted viewers to see some of my personality through my work, the involvement of color and inclusion,” she said.
Pate made digital and film photographs for the presentation.
“While I do hope everyone who looks at my art feels something, I don’t want my photographs to mak people feel anything specific,” said Pate. “I believe art touches everybody individually.”
Gomillion’s art includes photographs ranging from nature, people and her pets.
“I think these images really capture what make me happy now-a-days with everything that’s going on,” she said. “And when viewers see my work, I want them to feel calm, happy and relaxed. Maybe even remind them of what makes them happy.”
Bryant’s art in the exhibit includes a collection of paintings which focus on what she calls “’the unseen and unspoken’,” or in other words, the feelings we hide from others or don’t know how to express.
“I would like this exhibit to help people reconsider, or rediscover, their own feelings that they hide away from the world.”
Olsen’s pieces include photography, ceramic pieces and digital artwork.
“I came into college thinking I only liked to physically work with my hands and make things and I wasn’t so tech savvy, but I have really learned to loved digital art and sort of find my place in it,” said Olsen. “I want people to see the fun, and the energy, and the hard work I carry through all I do in my pieces.”
Montgomery created two pieces of metal art and had several photographs on display.
“All of my artwork is unique, slightly abstract and tends to express and idea, emotion and the unknown,” he said.
A reception was held for the exhibit on Monday, April 12 at 3 pm.
