 "Photo: Jacob Naasz")
The war has begun. The ecologically-friendly bomb has been dropped, turning the Visual Arts Main Gallery into a colorful battlefield of silkscreen prints from Greg Metz's spring printmaking class.
A wall painting by graduate arts and technology student Jeffrey Miranda of military powers forcing a body into a meat grinder looms over the exhibit surveying the rest of the works like a commander. Across the battlefield, huddled in a corner, is a bag cave constructed by arts and performance junior Philip Chery entitled "Landscape" while ammunition piles of stuffed "eco friendly bags" litter the floor space.
"We talked about the idea of doing something more environmentally contentious and a way of using printmaking to contribute to the word change," said Metz, exhibit curator and art professor. "I invited the class to think about how printmaking can extend itself into the larger cultural sphere as part of our class discussion. Printmaking has its identity steeped in politics."
To say the show is political is an understatement. The "Go Green" message is featured in many of the works on display in the show, some more subtlety than others.
One of the most appealing, aspects of the show, however, is the ecologically friendly bags with various prints on them. These trendy, one of a kind items aren't just for viewing: They are for sale along with the rest of the art on display.
This more nuanced side of the show allows viewers to play the part of the activist and get some cool swag too. Selling the bags is a great way to involve the viewer in the show and spread the message that the show is promoting without being preachy.
Unfortunately, any subtlety the show might have is overshadowed by the piece "Landscape" by the artist You. Yes, "You," as in "You the viewer are responsible for the sight before you."
Cherny contends his piece doesn't necessarily have an environmental message. Instead the work focuses on the artificial landscape and the idea of transient objects that are created to be destroyed.
The piece, a make shift shelter made out of shredded plastic bags, feels too heavy-handed compared to the rest of the show. Instead of leaving you thinking like many of the other pieces, it slaps you in the face and leaves little room for interpretation.
Perhaps art shows need to be more like "Landscape" though; straightforward with their messages instead of skirting or hinting at the issues. In fact, artists have aided some of the more successful activism campaigns. Artists like graffiti artist Keith Haring, feminists The Guerilla Girls and conceptual/political artist Barbara Kruger all come to mind. Every one of these artists is overtly blunt.
The show is on display until Aug. 8 and is worth a look even if you're not an art buff. It's got something for everyone from its design-driven works to its more abstract pieces.
Anyone interested in purchasing any of the works on display can contact Greg Metz at
972-883-2274 for information.
Visit utdmercury.com to see select works from the show.
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