In an environment of consumerism and waste, the concept of creating something beautiful out of commonly discarded items was brilliant. John Lewis' beginning ceramics classes were posed with a unique assignment - take unused, damaged, or abandoned ceramic items and create a piece of art. Unfortunately, the execution of this idea during the student ceramic art exhibit last month was dismal. What could have been a potent commentary on art rising from the ashes of disrepair resulted in a confusing assortment of poorly displayed student work.
Upon entering the gallery the first exposure was one of disarray. Several student pieces were posed on top of display pillars while the remaining works were positioned on the floor amidst clusters of cotton. More cotton creations posing as clouds hung from the ceiling.
If it sounds hokey, it's because it was.
It took several inquiries to discover the cotton was meant to convey a winter atmosphere. While the pervasive presence of cotton was likely meant to instill a sense of unification, it detracted from the art presented. Many pieces were small and, therefore, dwarfed by surrounding "winter" ambiance. Making the chosen theme that much more confusing, many pieces did not have a "winter" overtone.
Much of the artwork presented could be described as abstract due to its creative nature.
Although a certain amount of interpretation is appreciated while viewing art, a title for each piece and the artist/s who composed it would have been appreciated. This simple form of attribution would have made the collection of work much more informative and perhaps created some sense of much needed clarity.
The exhibit was not a complete wash. Anyone who has gone to a Southwestern College art exhibit is quite familiar with the talent regularly demonstrated. Many of the pieces were good. Several were even stunning once the shock of the disorganized display faded. One piece of collected red ceramics stood out among the rest. With its bright colors and its creative pillar-like construction, it truly transformed every day dishware into an artistic creation. Another portrayed a pitcher 'pouring' a ceramic milk box - a clever combination.
Most of the other pieces were drowned out by ineffective ambience.
This student art exhibit was a picture perfect demonstration of unbridled creativity gone awry. Through a collection of factors, namely disorganization, a presentation with so much potential stopped quite short of greatness.
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