TAMIU STUDENT EXHIBITS AT ROCKPORT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Websters Dictionary defines Art as "something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings." Texas A&M International University offers Art Majors with a great opportunity to expand and exhibit their artwork and the professors encourage the students to exhibit in as many places as they can. The same was told to Ilian Hernandez, art major, who is exhibiting at Rockport Center for the Arts, in Rockport Texas. The exhibition will be from March 8th to April 5th, and the Reception will be on Saturday March 8th from 5 to 7 p.m.

Professor Alma Haertlein encouraged her current students both intermediate and advanced painting to submit work for the exhibition for the undergraduate and graduate from all around Texas, and the Exhibition is titled: Rising Eyes of Texas 2014. The artwork Ilian Hernandez submitted is entitled "Self Portrait"and it has a dimensions of 6 1/2ft by 4 ft and painted with acrylics on wood. Figural Painting and Self Portraiture are the main interests Ilian Hernandez has and was strongly influenced by artists like Jenny Savlle, Frida Kahlo, Lucian Freud and Chris Ofili. When asked about her work and what made her choose these artist as inspiration, Ilian responded "...I experimented the connection and balance between strong-lighted complimentary colors and facial asymmetry." The painting has layering of colors from blues and reds, greens and purples, and has used a great balance of colors to help give contrast in her painting. "My technique explores light layering, and darks replaced by varied tones...when applying acrylic paint, I see the face as a map of climate zones." Ilian added.

Family and friends is a very important thing that artist need to help them develop ideas, be the critics of the artwork, and help transporting the artwork. Ilian is grateful to her parents for being there for her and have been the key for her success. "They help me in everything, from carrying the wood from one place to another, to being my best critics on what I do..." Experimenting with ideas and mediums is part of developing as an artist, and Ilian has a lot of motivation to continue working and experimenting with new mediums.

Ilian will continue on to develop as an artist, "I want to gain more experience and knowledge about the real world of Art and how it works..." With graduation coming in the Fall 2014, Ilian plans to expand her love for art history and knowledge. She recently applied for a summer internship at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art and The Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C. Ilian hopes that with the support of her family and TAMIU Professors these dreams will come true.

Other places Ilian has exhibited are The Fine and Performing Arts Gallery Student Shows hosted by The Artisans Art Society in 2012 and Student Show 2013 hosted by TAMIU Art Professors. and on April 24, 2014 at 6 p.m. Ilian will be having her Senior Show with her fellow Art-Mates.

Ilian has a great future in the world of art and her fellow Artisans wish her the best and Ilian wanted to "thank Pa, Ma, Pipo, Cochi, Allan, and Family."

For more information about Ilian Hernandez work contact her at ilianhernandezjuarez@gmail.com

(For additional information contact Santos R. Polendo at santos_polendo@dusty.tamiu.edu)