I like surprises. Not the jump-out-and-scare-me ones, but the unexpected-discoveries-from-taking-the-road-less-traveled types. And that’s what I got when Laura and I went last night to the University of Virginia Law Library’s Annual Art Show titled "State Papers". The exhibit is curated by local new-comer L. Michelle Geiger. Artists were asked to create works using discarded materials from the Law Library’s collection. The show includes ten artists from all over the United States. Artists include: Brandon Garrett, Melissa Hackmann, Jennie Hinchcliff, Carrie Ann Plank, Andrew Hayes, Daniel Essig, Denise Carbone, Rosamund Casey, Lindsey Mears, and Michelle Geiger.
Although hung in a challenging fluorescent light filled space (a la university library), the show was cohesive and looked great. Despite being a skeptic of including the written word in artwork, I felt this book-centric theme pushed each artist in just the right direction when working with text, book covers and pictures. What resulted was a collection of collage inspired, multi-layered pieces.
Some standouts included Michelle Gieger’s own pieces. She incorporates deeply rich encaustic painting with a collage and sculptural effect. Laura and I particularly liked Michelle’s kinetic box pieces – interesting to play with, fun to look at, and filled with meaning and interpretation.
Laura and I were separately drawn to Andrew Hayes’ metal and book cross-section sculptures. Each nautilus shaped piece was interesting, but as a group, their design elements became far more powerful. For these I would actually have rather had a little more reference to the text captured within the pages, but to avoid contracting myself, I won’t harp on it.
Upon entering the show (at the top of the stairs), we were greeted by the assemblages of Daniel Essig. They combined an ancient talisman feel with references to the natural world. Excellent work.
The real winner of the show was Carrie Ann Plank’s 10 panel piece titled "Imperialism: Colonialism: Colonize: Disease: Popular Culture." In a storybook fashion, Carrie pulls together a grouping of images that resonate with depth, innuendo and detail which captures and retains your attention. It’s worth the trip to the North Grounds campus just to see this piece alone.
It’s doubtful the UVa Law Library is on your regular gallery tour. But, I recommend you make the trip and check out "State Papers." You’ll be surprised. Michelle did a great job of selecting artists, and they all came through by producing well conceived and crafted pieces.
The exhibit runs the entire academic year through June 2009.
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