PRINTSMITHING
(BFA Senior Printmaking/Metals Exhibition)
November 14-17, 2018
Reception:Thursday, Nov. 15th, 5-7pm
The Cora Stafford Gallery
University of North Texas College of Visual Arts and Design
1120 W Oak St, Denton, TX 76201
Gallery Hours:Wednesday-Saturday, 1 - 5 PM
The University of NorthTexas Printmaking Area is pleased toannounce Printsmithing, an exhibition of prints by six printmaking BFA seniors. PRINTSMITHING will be on view from Wednesday, November 14th throughSaturday, November17th.
PRINTSMITHING centers around a collaboration between senior level students in both the Printmaking and Metal smithing BFA programs at the University of North Texas. In this collaboration, the students created etched copper plates and exchanged them in collaborative partnerships that married both disciplines. Each artist then incorporated the plate received in the exchange into the creation of a new artwork altogether. This collaboration examines the relationship between the two disciplines and highlights the ways in which they are complimentary of each other.
The printmakers exhibiting in PRINTSMITHING explore a variety of themes through equally varied approaches and methods. Maria Aleisa’setchings address themes of family and belonging through the lens of Saudi culture and symbolism. Erika Alonzoexplores family and heritage in landscape by appropriating photographs and manipulating them using relief and etching. Joseph Bercen’setchings use abstracted symbolism to address relations between the individual with society, others, and the self. In her relief woodcuts, Halee Hammuses the relationship between human and animal existence to address the morality of organ donation.Wiley Reid’setchings and lithographs consider the endeavors of modern science as a vehicle for a discussion of the archetypal tendencies of civilizations, pulling from both history and myth. Sydney Wilson’srelief prints use pattern and texture to explore commonalities between humanity and the rest of the natural world.
The metalsmiths exhibiting in PRINTSMITHING represent a diverse range of content manifested through a spectrum of techniques and materials. David Enright bases his wearable sculptures on a fictitious society of his own invention while quoting from historic traditions of protective armament. Vince Fisher creates functional housewares, like letter openers and backscratchers, inspired by medieval weaponry for both aesthetic and conceptual reasons. Inspired by the anatomy and movement of animals, Christa Grogan uses miniature sculpting techniques to make playful and humorous jewelry and sculptures. Zach Morris combines hard edge geometric jewelry designs in silver with rich and varied patinas that create a tension between order and chaos. With fine attention to detail, Kelly Perez explores the politics of food through both wearables and miniature tableaus. JJ Thomson’s series of wearables uses a range of digital and hand fabrication techniques to explore issues based on learning differences.
The reception will be held on Thursday, November 15th from 5-7pm in the Cora Stafford Gallery, located on the first floor of the Oak Street Hall on the UNT Campus, 1120 W Oak St, Denton, TX 76201. Food and drinks will be provided, and the reception is free and open to the public. The Gallery will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 1 PM to 5 pm for anyone not able to attend the reception.
