Photos and reporting by Robert Kokenyesi, Ceramic Artist, Beachfront Pottery, Godfrey, IL, 62035, USA. If you enjoyed this post, then like the post, and also like my Facebook page. There is additional information about Beachfront Pottery on my web site.
The Venue
The Varsity Art XXIV exhibit was curated in the gallery of ArtStLouis, in St Louis, Missouri from February 28 through March 26, 2020.
The Call for Entry
There was no call for entry, because this is a sort of invitational exhibit. This is a statement by ArtStLouis: Twenty-fourth annual group exhibition curated by art faculties from 20 St. Louis regional colleges and universities in Missouri & Illinois. For this annual invitational exhibit, Professors are invited to select two outstanding undergrad or grad level art students to represent their institution in this multi-media group exhibition. The exhibit will feature recent works by 40 artists from Missouri and Illinois.
The Ceramic Art Pieces
Hannah studies at Fontbonne University, in Clayton, Missouri. Hannah’s statement reads”My work depicts a relatable narrative of my mental health, which is an introspective representation of a shared story in emotional experiences. I use found and created objects to bring expressive visual storytelling elements and personal complexity to the bundled sculptures, static disks and teapots.” For more of her work visit her web site (partially completed at the time of this post), and her Facebook page.
Andrew studies at St Louis County Community College. His statement reads: “A call out to the brick homes of St Louis which house so many of us. Truth to be told this is a father son project. We pulled out old STL sidewalk brick from below my parents’ porch, and slapped it on the wet saw. We made lines and we bore holes. More St Louis Brick bricks please.”
Paige’ studies at Saint Louis University in St Louis, Missouri. Her statement reads: “Skin Vessels is my first completed work about the body. As a starting point, this work represents a basic function of the body: to hold us. The fluidity of the objects make them seem removable, yet their stone form grinds us back in the reality that we can not exist without them. Further, the relationship of the vessels to each other reveals the awkwardness of connecting with the body for the first time.
In addition, on her web site she writes: “I work mainly in sculpture and ceramics as well as in mixed media and installation. I like to use various media because the exploration of the properties of my materials is an important part of my art making process. I also consider how the types of materials I use to make the work adds a level of meaning to it. Typical concepts in my work are ideas of identity, mental health, and environmental concerns. Another concept I’ve been focused on lately is the body; its importance to both broader society and to oneself. Why are certain things desired or important about the body? What are the effects of mental states on the body? I ask these questions through an exploration and distortion of anatomy. Going forward with my art, I want to explore more materials and start working more on installation work as I continue to talk about mental health, the environment, and the body.” Check out more of her work at her web site.
Katie studies at McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois. Her statement reads: “A recurring theme throughout my work is the focus on organic form and subject. In previous works I used the portrayal of Illinois’ native bird species to bring awareness to the declining bird population. Reflection is a hand-built ceramic amphora vase that depicts the flight of the barn owl as it hunts for prey. I used the amphora form due to its connection to narrative imagery and its history of commemorative uses.