By Jack Wynn
Gathering at the Adele H. Stamp Student Union gallery on Tuesday, a half dozen students arrived for an art tour to learn about the artworks displayed throughout the student union as part of the Contemporary Arts Purchasing Program.
Every two years, students from a variety of majors apply to become part of the selection process for CAPP. Students who are selected travel to various art studios and galleries across the country, including Baltimore, New York and D.C., to determine which works should be purchased and displayed in Stamp.
Since the program began in 2005, students have collected almost 80 pieces of art. Five of these pieces were discussed and analyzed on the tour.
“I hope that these tours introduce students (and anyone interested) to think about different ways of looking at art and looking at the world in general,” Maura Callahan, Stamp Gallery’s graduate assistant, said. “It teaches us how to look and experience things in a different way.”
Although Tara Youngborg, Studio A manager and tour leader, was prepared to explain the history and background of each work of art, students were able to experience the art for themselves.
Youngborg explained that one piece on the tour, created by Jenny Wu, was designed to make observers question their political decisions. Students were then provided with a sample of the latex paint used in the piece and were encouraged to comment on it.
“I thought (interpreting the art myself) was a little bit challenging…” Grace Mielke, a senior art history major, said. “Since I’ve never seen these pieces before and this is my first time hearing of these artists…It was very new, but also fun and stimulating.”
The gallery also pays tribute to artists of Akita and Swana heritage, creating a diverse group of works to educate students and convey different messages.
“Given that I’m Filipino, and this is an Akita and Swana gallery where the artists are of those heritages, I was interested in seeing art, not only from people who share similar stories with me, but people who also have different experiences,” Mielke said.
One piece, created by Wafaa Bilal, features smaller versions of different sculptures, including The David and Perseus with the Head Medusa, and comments on the way terrorist groups have destroyed Iraqi culture.
Another piece created by “cameraless photographer” Kei Ito, was put together by pouring honey and various oils, items used by survivors of the Hiroshima bombing to treat radiation wounds, onto a plexiglass piece.
Tours and other opportunities to explore art in Stamp are often available. The next tour is set for May 10 and intends to continue to spread awareness about the exhibits displayed in the student union.
Melania Driver, a junior psychology major, joined Mielke on the tour despite not having much experience with contemporary art. Driver explained how this tour influenced her future interest in the exhibits.
“I [will] probably pay more attention to the art that’s in Stamp,” Driver said. “I like to think that I already do but I’d probably be hyper-aware now.”
Featured image: Students on the tour learn about different and diverse art pieces. Photo by Jack Wynn.