A zombified John Wayne, birth control nukes, and performances within a caged sculpture were just apart of the 16 displays leaving audiences gawking at the Super Fantastic Mega Awesome Art Show reception Thursday, April 22 at the Texas A&M International University Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Gallery.
Living up to its farcical title, the overall layout of the gallery was a collaborative, democratic effort among the student artists, notes gallery director, Alma Haertlein.
The gallery showcased the artworks of senior art students, all in their respective mediums, varying from paints, to prints to ceramics.
Candice Zamarripa, responsible for the large painting on canvas display of rainbow birth control swatches attached to nukes diving down on a white lined, black antique stroller, maintained her artworks were the product of unintentional metaphors. Several of her other works were marked by their bright pops of color and eccentric themes.
“I didn’t put titles because I wanted people to look at my work and have to think about what I meant,” reveals the spirited artist.
For those preferring arts depicting life in its natural form, Francesca Forno’s canvas pieces had several captivated.
“At first I thought they were burry photographs but then I took a step closer and realized they were oil paintings and it blew my mind. She used something simple and did something creative,” said art junior Ricardo Guerrero, adding, “You don’t always know what the artist is thinking when they complete a piece, all you know is this artist has talent and dedication. I also love the one of the girl performing. I really appreciate the combination of media and performance.”
Jessica Tovar, the artist responsible for the audience drawing performance, which consisted of opening her caged art sculpture only to climb inside, have the sculpture be sewn shut with her inside, and hold the position for twenty minutes.
Echoing the claustrophobia sentiments shared by those who watched the performance, Tovar later explained her accomplishing theme: phobias.
“Phobias, a lot of people have them. I’m claustrophobic and my collection expresses that theme but to me performances are therapeutic,” said Tovar.
As crowds circled Tovar’s performance, TAMIU art graduate, Nathalie Miranda noted how the popularity for the senior show had greatly increased since her own senior university exhibit two years ago.
“The ones that are models, 3-D, non-conventional, going beyond the frame or cast – I like that kind of art. In makes people interact with the art itself, which is why this one is my favorite, ” said Alfredo Jimenez, political science senior.
The exhibit runs through May 5. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 12 to 5 p.m. or by appointment.
For more information, contact Alma Haertlein at 326-3041.
(Stephanie M. Ibarra may be reached at stephie@dusty.
tamiu.edu)