Prepare for contrast in this week’s senior art show. Get jolted from room to room by the intense ideas and contrasting concepts presented by each artist.
Greg Lookerse confronts us with his perspective of martyrdom in his show, “Standard Martyrdom.” Like an ancient, sacred burial ground, white, cracked tiles line the floor of the gallery while 12 gravestone-like tablets raised on pedestals are placed throughout the space. Repeated imagery and typography line the surrounding walls with Lookerse’s conception of Buddhist, Islamic, and Christian martyrdom.
Through his unique design, Lookerse juxtaposes the concept of a fighting martyr with a sacrificial martyr and evokes the question, “What does it mean to die for your faith?”
While “Standard Martyrdom” is a contemporary exploration of an age-old practice, the ideas it presents are directly applicable to our lives. It is an investigation of how death defines one’s life. Lookerse explores the driving force of this campus through this concept. The death of One on the cross defines our lives as Christians at Biola. He brings new meaning to Paul’s words, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20)
In the next room, Janee Noble invites us into the process of black and white, darkroom photography in her show, appropriately titled, “Process.” The strength and drive behind her piece is her activity as the artist in preparing these photos — from the moment she snaps the photo to when she mounts and frames the piece. She explores traditional photography where craft and technique are desired just as much as content and concept.
“The “art” of being an artist is a little bit lost in the digital process,” said Noble. “While content and concept always hold meaning, it all holds together much better if you’re good at what you do.”
In addition to the crisp, professional quality of the photographs, darkened crosses, cathedrals, and religious statues give rise to the spirituality of Noble’s work and make “Process” a show that demands your attention and consideration.
Unlike any other show this semester, Kathryn Mueller’s “The Studio of Elizabeth Le Brun” is a fanciful, imaginative installation that captures the tenacity of female artists throughout history. While being rooted in the historical account of Le Brun and Marie Antoinette, Mueller purposefully left the piece open and highly interactive. “The Studio” is completed through the viewer’s interpretation and imagination of the piece.
“Like in a theatre,” said Mueller, “it’s up to the viewer’s imagination to push it further.”
This piece is swimming in pink, feathers, lace, and dresses. Women’s influence and determination through art is a message communicated through this piece that can leave any male viewer feeling intimidated. Women, feel empowered by Mueller’s appreciation for and celebration of feminism and aesthetics.
From death to artistic process to feminism, this week’s senior art show is a space of intrigue and exploration. Enter with curiosity and an open mind. Allow the work to show you new and interesting things about very diverse ideas.
