Jenna Bacon, Campus Carrier arts and living editor
The Embodiment IV Exhibit is currently open for viewing in the Moon Gallery Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This exhibit consists of work from four different artists who each incorporate the human form in their pieces.
Katie Knoeringer’s painted paper collages depict various individuals in scenes of everyday life using a combination of geometric shapes. Jess Self’s sculptures of the human body are intricate and purposeful in design, sending a powerful message to any observer of the work.
In a unique use of textiles and digital technology, Gregory Climer created an animation of a couple sharing a kiss out of 36 individual quilts. One of those quilts is featured in the Embodiment IV Exhibit. Brandon C. Smith was partly inspired by Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” when he created his series of charcoal drawings titled “Convulsive Motions.” The drawings display intense, uncomfortable, raw movements of the human body.
Associate Professor of Fine Arts Brad Adams is the person responsible for planning each Moon Gallery exhibition that takes place.
The sculpture titled “Container” is made out of bamboo, fur, jute and brazed steel.
“When I’m designing these exhibitions, I’m trying to be mindful of the potential certain pieces have as teaching tools,” Adams said. “What we’re offering here at Berry is for people to have some point of entry to access the exhibitions.”
Adams said that, he will often know artists for some time in advance before asking to feature their work. Adams makes a deliberate effort to showcase works by artists at different stages of their careers, offering students insight into the diverse approaches and practices within the field.
One of the artists featured in the current exhibit, Jess Self, currently teaches at the University of North Georgia. Self frequently channels her own life experiences into her art, using personal events and feelings as a foundation for creative expression. When crafting some of her work, Self used casts of her own body along with those of some of her friends. One of her sculptures is completely basket woven. According to Self, the inspiration for this piece arose when her ailing mentor reminded her that the human body was never meant to be permanent.
“She used to tell me that the body is just a container for the soul,” Self said. “I kept that in mind when creating this sculpture.”
On Monday Self will visit Berry to speak about her work and answer questions. The talk will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the McAllister Auditorium. It’s a campus-wide event, and students can receive a cultural event credit for attending.
Junior art major Izzac Rumble is the student gallery manager. According to Rumble, the use of human anatomy can be valuable in learning to draw.
“It’s an easy thing to see and to draw, but it’s also so much more personal,” Rumble said. “It’s like you’re trying to understand what the person in the artwork might be going through. So, in some ways it can help us put ourselves in somebody else’s shoes.”
Through its diverse interpretations of the human form, the Embodiment IV Exhibit invites viewers to reflect on the physical and cultural narratives it carries. As students, faculty and visitors engage with the work, the gallery becomes a site for connection and learning.