Thoughts on the 2023 Faculty Exhibition
From finding the beauty in observation and stillness to the boundaries of AI, this year’s faculty exhibition highlights a variety of artists, each with a unique story to tell, with work from Zak Arctander, Heather Braxton, Jill Fannon, Cyrus Feldman, Billy Friebele, Isa Gold, Giulia Livi, Jon Malis, Katie Peck, Daniel Pinha, and Dan Schlapbach.
Personally, I found myself drawn to a number of pieces, Giulia Livi’s “Flashe Study 1”, Isa Gold’s “(w)underlands: Bug Parade”, Heather Braxton’s “Maybe This Will Work" and Daniel Pinha’s “In the Attic.” Each piece utilizes a different medium, weaving widely different narratives. Photography, paint, props, none like the other, but connected as art.
Staring at these pieces and even being able to participate in them, with Pinha’s interactive installation, has allowed me to reflect on a lot of parts of my own life. Livi’s piece, in particular, I view as highly prevalent in today’s culture. With the ever-hastening trend cycles, things like the home can be quickly decorated and disregarded. However, Livi wants us to “live with it…look at and use it.”
There is a call for introspection throughout this exhibition, to really sit with things we call beautiful, and even those that aren’t. Though this exhibition addresses an assortment of themes, there is something here for everyone to enjoy. Whether that be explorations of mental health or domestic life and consumerism, I challenge you to adjust your perspective, not only just viewing art, but absorbing it. Art maintains a beautiful way to connect with its audience, but you have to take the first step.
The exhibition will run until October 8, 2023.
To learn more about the Gallery’s programs and current and past exhibitions, visit julioartgallery.com or call 410-617-2799. Follow us on social media @JulioArtGallery for updates!