Forms of Expression: A Survey in Contemporary Clay at MTSU’s Todd Art Gallery

PRESS RELEASE

Forms of Expression: A Survey in Contemporary Clay at MTSU’s Todd Art Gallery

The Todd Art Gallery presents Forms of Expression: A Survey in Contemporary Clay October 17–November 1, 2012. Curated by Art Professor John Donovan the exhibit includes ceramic artists: Dana Chapman-Tupa, William DePauw, Lisa Elrich, John Oles, Quintin Owens, and Adam Paulek.

Of the artists, Donovan states, “Ceramics as an art form has a unique combination of rich cultural history with a contemporary field of innovating artists. The traditions of vessel-making and sculptural expression both continue to evolve and cross-pollenate in the field today.”

Consequently, this exhibition brings together a cross-section of artists working with clay who beautifully weave together history and innovation. In much of the work, such as that of John Oles and Adam Paukek, the vessel serves as a launching point for greater conceptual content, such as the dialog between surface image and form or through soft curves and satin finish, arousing in the viewer the desire to hold the vessel. Artists Quintin Owens and Dana Chapman-Tupa depart from the vessel and fill a space with visual elements; textures and colors, patterns and forms, creating a rich dialog with the viewer, sometimes narrative, always intriguing. William DePauw and Lisa Ehrich bring sculptural combinations of forms that often equally reference something historical and contemporary simultaneously, pulling the viewer's mind both forward and backward through time.

Further defining the exhibit, Donovan concluded with, “The thematic glue that holds this work together is the material; the earth, the clay that all these forms are pulled from. It is the simple stuff we trod upon daily that features so greatly in all their work.”

A public reception in the Todd Art Gallery is scheduled Monday, October 22 | 7–8 p.m. Also, in the gallery a lecture featuring Adam Paulek, Professor of Art at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia will be held Friday, October 19 |1–2 p.m.

Exhibitions, receptions, and lectures are free and open to the public. Todd Art Gallery hours are Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The gallery is closed on state and university holidays. For additional exhibit or parking information and directions: Eric Snyder, 615-898-5653.

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