Manifest Gallery

Art, Artists, Etc.

 
Jim Fugett


Artworks Gallery's Figuratively Speaking is on view through Dec. 22.



If you haven't visited MANIFEST GALLERY (2727 Woodburn Ave.) this fall, I'd say a trip is in order. The Walnut Hills gallery currently showcases Something from Nothing, an exhibition that features a combination of artwork from both professors and students. Each artist explores the point where materials and concept meet to create a work of art. Each piece, in the artists' individual method, investigates several questions asked by curator Elizabeth Kauffman, including "How does a piece of art communicate its idea just by existing?" and "How much material is necessary to turn an idea into art?" Obviously, the exhibition focuses on conceptual art, which, by its mere name, is often hard to describe. But you'll see traditional approaches to represent the "concept," including photography, sculpture, mixed media and installation pieces. Don't miss a chance to view decorative hair clippings, a gift-wrapped casket and even an airplane door, among many others, as representations of this concept. Through Dec. 8.

Another must-see is the current exhibition at ARTWORKS GALLERY (811 Race St.) that features creations from over 15 artists, including some of Artwork's apprentices from their summer program. Figuratively Speaking showcases a collection of dolls created in an array of styles and each with its own concept.

If you haven't visited MANIFEST GALLERY (2727 Woodburn Ave.) this fall, I'd say a trip is in order. The Walnut Hills gallery currently showcases Something from Nothing, an exhibition that features a combination of artwork from both professors and students. Each artist explores the point where materials and concept meet to create a work of art. Each piece, in the artists' individual method, investigates several questions asked by curator Elizabeth Kauffman, including "How does a piece of art communicate its idea just by existing?" and "How much material is necessary to turn an idea into art?" Obviously, the exhibition focuses on conceptual art, which, by its mere name, is often hard to describe. But you'll see traditional approaches to represent the "concept," including photography, sculpture, mixed media and installation pieces. Don't miss a chance to view decorative hair clippings, a gift-wrapped casket and even an airplane door, among many others, as representations of this concept. Through Dec. 8. ...

Another must-see is the current exhibition at ARTWORKS GALLERY (811 Race St.) that features creations from over 15 artists, including some of Artwork's apprentices from their summer program. Figuratively Speaking showcases a collection of dolls created in an array of styles and each with its own concept. The appearance of the dolls is meant to explore far more than simple surfaces: the deep-seated issues behind stereotyping. These dolls are not the playthings of youth; rather they are expressions of various human perspectives. Many are off-balance or misshapen with exaggerated features and hostile eyes. Some don't even appear human. The pieces project an air of watchfulness. We might be viewing them, but it appears they're also watching us, which can be quite unsettling. Make sure to stop by for an eye-opening experience. Through Dec. 22. ...

Be there to witness the unveiling of the newest pieces from Seattle artist RICHARD ROYAL when his exhibition opens at the MARTA HEWETT GALLERY (656 East McMillan, Walnut Hills). A veteran of the American Studio Glass movement and a contemporary of the renowned Dale Chihuly, Royal worked with clay at the beginning of his career but now creates exclusively in the more fluid medium of glass. He has exhibited all over the world, including Japan and Australia. His latest pieces — shaped and sculpted from solid, molten glass — stand over 4 feet tall and are said to offer a "visual extravaganza" of movement, optics and color. Opening reception: 1-5 p.m. Saturday. Through December. ...

Mark your calendar now to see the newest artist to grace the walls of THE GALLERY AT M. WILLIS FINE ART & DESIGN (3235 Madison Road, Oakley): painter TOM BLUEMLEIN. Traveling throughout the U.S., Bluemlein is inspired by the landscapes of the Carolinas and the Smoky Mountains as well as the Ohio Valley woodlands. His pieces spotlight the interaction between strong natural light and the more mysterious quality of clouds and fog, offering an intriguing combination and energy. Opening reception: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 8. Through Jan. 8, 2007.

MINIREVIEWS
Currently on view at the DOROTHY W. AND C. LAWSON REED JR. GALLERY, located within UC's DAAP, is the School of Art Faculty. The purpose of the exhibition is to show viewers the common thread between the faculty, that thread being that all of them are working artists. The exhibition spans a multitude of media, including installations, photography, drawing and video art. I found myself going back to this exhibition on multiple occasions to spend additional time reviewing the work. Upon entering the gallery, the viewer is greeted by a vividly colored ceramic sculpture, which resides right next to elegantly rendered graphite drawings. School of Art Faculty is a successful group exhibition, one I'd encourage you to take in — maybe multiple times. Continues through Dec. 5. (Jacquelyn Vaughn) Grade: B



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