| For more information about this article or gallery, please call the gallery phone number listed in the last line of the article, "For more info..." |
July Issue 2004
State Museum in Columbia, SC, Features Traveling Exhibit by Five Female Artists
A new traveling art exhibit merging diverse themes with shared talent will be on view through July 11, 2004, at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia, SC.
Convergence, showcasing the artistic skills of five female artists, is on view in the Lipscomb Gallery. The new exhibit features ceramics by Virginia Scotchie and Von Allen, paintings by Virginia Derryberry, and mixed media sculptures by Reni Gower and Alison Helm.
The exhibit is designed to show the works of each artist and present a variety of subjects matter.
"Although there is no specific theme, we all have respect for and deep knowledge of our materials - whether it is oil paint, ceramics, or sculptural media," said Virginia Derryberry. "Each of us has a distinct style, or more importantly, a distinct vision."
Museum visitors may notice this vision in the artwork, as well as a diverse range of ideas or emotions represented. Symbolism is used to portray nature, technology, family, and other topics the artists want to integrate into their work.
"I have lately been looking at medieval stone carving and reading a lot of mythology," said Von Allen. "I am also interested in religious ideas and creation stories in other cultures and in the poetry and writings that were passed to other generations."
Aside from her own unique ideas, each artist includes her own diverse materials in order to complete her visualization. Reni Gower and Alison Helm use cheesecloth, wood, stainless steel, nylon or aluminum screens, and glass, among other textile supplies, in their mixed media sculptures.
"My current artwork incorporates these materials in layers, which are suspended from three-dimensional wooden constructions," said Gower. "This layering system is used to create multifaceted readings of space, color, and content."
"Each participant reviewed the work of the others through slides and artists' statements prior to the conference," said Gower. "Each chose a different theme for the critique of the others' work. For example, our observations focused on the use of color, symbolism, narrative, journey or materiality, etc. Since the panel was received with such great enthusiasm, we decided to take the work on the road."
" The museum is excited about hosting this show," said Curator of Art Paul Matheny. "The work reflects a need to pay attention to the world around us, find beauty in everyday objects and be aware of the evidence of an artist's hands.
"From mixed media to ceramics and painting, there is a broad range of art-making represented by these five artists."
The artists, who have known each other professionally for about 20 years, are looking forward to have their works displayed collectively.
"It is nice to be in an exhibition with women that I have known for many years. We have all matured together and shared many of our joys and setbacks," said Allen.
Allen, Derryberry, Gower, Helm and Scotchie will discuss contemporary art and their work in "Artists Converge". This discussion will be held June 5, from 3:30-5pm in the Museum's auditorium.
For further information check our SC Institutional Gallery listings, call the Museum at 803/898-4921 or at (www.museum.state.sc.us).
Carolina Arts is published monthly by Shoestring Publishing Company, a subsidiary of PSMG, Inc. Copyright© 2004 by PSMG, Inc., which published Charleston Arts from July 1987 - Dec. 1994 and South Carolina Arts from Jan. 1995 - Dec. 1996. It also publishes Carolina Arts Online, Copyright© 2004 by PSMG, Inc. All rights reserved by PSMG, Inc. or by the authors of articles. Reproduction or use without written permission is strictly prohibited. Carolina Arts is available throughout North & South Carolina.