RECON: Group Exhibition 2022
The 2020 BFA graduates of the Newcomb Art Department are pleased to present RECON, an exhibition of new artwork, following the cancellation of our undergraduate thesis exhibitions nearly 28 months ago.
Together, we rekindle the playful experimentation of our undergraduate years while now approaching our practices with the greater respect and seriousness afforded with time and experience. The artwork we present offers a portrayal of young adults reuniting to complete an unfinished journey.
Installation Photographs:
Artist Statement:
The methods I use to make meaningful art mirror how I approach challenges in my personal life. I am constantly striving to counter my habits of perception for the sake of clarity. Bypassing preconceived thoughts allows subconscious material to flow from the heart. I accept these honest reflections even if it makes me uncomfortable. Anxiety, despair, and confusion are encouraged to come to full expression and integration. Future explorations then bring important insights into the art that were not available at their time of creation.
I understand complex emotions not as hindrances to the creation of meaningful work, but rather as tangible opportunities to address an underlying need. In the past I have confused symptoms themselves for the fundamental source of an issue. I now use artistic practice to help reframe these often unwanted emotions, which always carry potential for mindfulness and curiosity. Art allows me to reconstruct myself so I can address the deepest needs of my soul.
Abstractions on Paper:
Untitled, 2022. Mixed media on paper, 22x30” each
Bookmaking:
Silence
2021. Altered book using John Cage’s “Silence” as a base.
Flip through the book virtually below:
Diaphragm
2022. Coptic bound works on paper including drawings, quotes, paintings, notes, and prints.
Flip through the book virtually below:
Failures
2020. Coptic bound excess editions and misprints from my time studying at Tulane. Filled with drawings in the following year.
Flip through the book virtually below:
Printmaking:
For The Cohort
2022. Five plate linoleum relief. 15x13”
Sports can be seen as performance art and artistic mediums can be seen as different sports. For most of my youth, I played baseball year round. I feel strong connections between the lessons that I have learned in each of these age old domains. Pressed by hand in my home studio.
Scroll through more photos below:
The Festival
2022. Drypoint copper etching. 7x11”
The reference photo for this piece was taken the day after Voodoo Festival 2018, which was a rainy weekend in New Orleans. There are few feelings better than being at a good festival. Pressed by hand in my home studio.
Scroll through more photos below:
Collaborative Pieces:
Parker for Alex, 2022. Sumi ink on paper, 9x12”
Collaboration with Parker and Alex, 2022. Water color and pen on paper, 9x12”
Alex for Andrew, 2022. Water color and marker on paper, 9x12”
Andrew’s Interpretation, 2022. Color Pencil on watercolor with marker, 9x12”
Alex for Parker, 2022. Acrylic on paper, 9x12”
Parker’s Interpretation, 2022. India ink and pen on acrylic, 9x12”
Eli Pillaert, 2022. Digital drawing, 9x12”
Alex For Eli, 2022. Photography and digital design on digital drawing, 20x15”
