By Victor Henderson/nw news editor
The works of four NW Campus art students are currently displayed in the Four Walls: Four Works art exhibit.
This is the second year the visual art department has held the exhibit. The students were given specific guidelines and two weeks to complete the works.
A jury of full-time NW art faculty chose the four pieces based on creativity, content and craftsmanship.
“There were 20 proposals submitted,” said visual arts professor Eduardo Aguilar. “The full-time visual arts faculty reviewed all the proposals, and then we voted until we agreed on four top entries.”
The jurors selected Aaron Lara-Martinez, Suzie Leiber, Jeph Llagas and Gwen Rhine. Not only is their work displayed, but they will also receive a reimbursement of up to $100 for materials purchased.
Aguilar said the medium of the works included acrylic paint; an assemblage of ready-mades (unaltered everyday objects), constructions and collages; a haut-relief assemblage of ready-made clothing dipped in clay slip and hung on the wall; and a continuously running video production.
Suzie Leiber decided to submit a proposal for the exhibit because it was an opportunity for her to do something different.
“It’s not every day I get to look at a blank wall and do whatever I wanted,” she said. “I felt like I needed to take myself seriously. It was a good chance to get out of my comfort zone.”
With two weeks and a $100 limit on supplies, her painting, which is 8 feet by 12 feet, features abstract geometric shapes. She said she was inspired to create something colorful and positive.
John Hartley, NW associate professor of art, said he had the idea of doing this exhibit so students could learn what it really takes to be an artist.
“This is a creative way of teaching a real-life lesson,” Hartley said. “I want to make sure [the students] had the skills to operate as a real artist.”
To be considered, students were required to complete an entry proposal form, provide an illustration of the proposed exhibition and give an estimate of the size of the artwork, the title and the type of materials that would be used.
The artwork is on display through Dec. 7 in Lakeview Gallery, which is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.
For more information, contact Hartley at 817-515-7596 or john.hartley@tccd.edu.
