The Steinmetz art exhibit was recently installed in the Feigenbaum Center for Visual Arts. The vibrant collection of student work was an interesting follow-up to the print exhibit of winter term that dripped with artistry.
This term’s exhibit is no disappointment, holding pieces constructed with charcoal, graphic design, sculpture, welding, photography, and paint. The difference between each wall is a noticeable shift in medium, intent, and creation. The contrast creates a pleasant and cohesive atmosphere.
Underneath a hand-drawn short film showcased outside of the exhibit, freshman Quinn Scanlon’s geometric wooden sculpture, crafted without the usage of any nails, welcomes the public into the exhibit.
When one steps foot past the glass doors, a bloom of jarring jellyfish begins to bob up and down. The bodies and tentacles of the creatures are gray plastic shopping bags to demonstrate the ominous decay of our Earth due to casual consumerist carelessness. The electric whirring of senior Mitchell Clifford’s work echoes throughout the room, making it impossible to escape a consideration of the meaning of their movement.
Placed to the side of the jellyfish is a beautifully crafted metal vessel, crowned with sharp nails pointing outwards and adorned with various mechanical tools. The piece is quite interesting, as the vehicle is clearly dangerous, but could also serve useful functions. The piece reflects the difficulty of being able to discern if industrialist evolution of civilization will cause humanity to stride forward or backward.
The walls surrounding these sculptures are covered with digital creations, charcoal sketches and collages, a bit of paint, and a wall of prints. Past the wall separating the two halves of the studio lies the remainder of the exhibit, including photography, stone sculptures, 3-D printed sculptures, and more.
The work of the printmaking classes is showcased on the left wall. Some of the prints have a more pastel color scheme, while others have a darker balance. Each print clearly contains meaning, and the prints are all aesthetically pleasing, as well. The artistry involved with printmaking is evident in the details of each work, with the successful layering of colors being a highlight. Depth and irony supplied by the hand-written titles below each print added much dimension to the pieces.
The digital art pieces are an incredible staple to the Steinmetz exhibit. The graphic design creations speak strongly with their silent presence. There is one effervescent piece, done by senior Sonja Hansson, regarding the dangers of tobacco usage paired with the beauty of youth. It’s aesthetic qualities paired with harsh symbols causes the piece to speak great measures.
Nearby, there is a four-part poster piece, done by senior Anne Bond, that discusses sexual trafficking, the accessibility of pornography, and the connection between the two. This pink porn piece conveys a crucial message through innocence and simplicity.
Freshman Haoyu Jiang’s photography captures the control technology has over Union students. By capturing individuals whose faces are lit up only by their cellular devices, Jiang articulates how we find comfort in our phones. In his work, phones not only isolate us from the world but also serve as an escape mechanism.
Sophmore Kirsten Kaptein’s s self portrait, found on the first wall, finds Kirsten in the shoes of Beyoncé. Jenny Mutch’s ‘21 self portrait finds herself among the trees in a very serene setting.
The Steinmetz Exhibit contains a beautiful collection of the work and thought of members of our student body. If you are walking past the visual arts building and have a moment to kill, pop your head in to view some of today’s creative wonders.
See colorful paintings focused on the reality and vibrancy of the nude, a photography series displaying the interaction between human and technology, charcoal dancers, or a skillfully suspended anchor. To enter the exhibit is to enter your peers’ minds.
The art exhibition will be on display until May 12. There will be an informal closing reception on Wednesday, May 11 from 5:30-6:30 PM in the Feigenbaum Center for Visual arts.