Students view art pieces at the artist's reception.
Jill Magi writes in novel while engaging with students at the artist's reception.
There are currently two rotating exhibits at Troy University's International Arts Center (IAC), spotlighting art crafted by two married faculty members: ‘This Is Reading’ by Assistant English Professor Jill Magi and ‘When Corner’d Use The Wall’ by Assistant Professor in the Department of Art and Design Jonny Farrow.
On Feb. 20, an artist reception was held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and was attended by professors, students, alumni and the artists’ loved ones.
Magi’s show is inspired by 18th and 19th century fabric sample books and included hand-made textiles and art influenced by the written word. Every piece was a response to reading and books.
“When you’re in college you have a chance to see things you might not normally think of seeing,” said Magi. “You have a chance to learn something outside of your own major by coming to events like this.
“Art is so beautiful for the soul, it's always existed and will continue to exist. I feel like we should embrace art as part of our lives.”
Farrow’s exhibit involved mixed materials and sculptures. One artwork included an air mattress with a weight on top, and a sensor cueing the air pump created a constant cycle of inflation and deflation. One wall consisted of his paintings, which touted clever word play. Each corner of the room featured an interesting installment.
"I am very proud that I wrote that these are all different kinds of pieces of different puzzles being assembled together that don’t really form a stable image when you look at them,” Farrow said. “I think a lot of the work represents how I feel and my own anxiety.
“Events like this are good for students to see their professors are doing the work that they’re teaching. It’s easy to connect some of the things that we talk about in the classroom.”
Students who attended said they left feeling inspired.
“This event helped highlight the intersection between both art and literature and the intersection with textile work,” said Madeline Martin, a sophomore art major from Kinston, Alabama.
"It’s nice to get together, see people and look at art while seeing this exhibit, especially with the artists being teachers from Troy,” said Makayla Allen, a junior art education major from Albertville, Alabama. “As a future art educator, I love seeing art and gaining inspiration from it.
“It’s fun to look at it and think about it. If you haven’t come to see the exhibits at the IAC, you definitely need to.”‘This Is Reading’ will be on exhibit in the IAC’s foyer until April 6.
More of Magi’s artwork will be installed in the library lobby on campus in the upcoming weeks.‘When Corner’d Use The Wall’ will be on exhibit in the Huo Bao Zhu Gallery until April 14. The Huo Bao Zhu gallery will then serve as a host for the Spring Thesis show, with works from graduating students of art and design.
On Wednesday, March 12, an artist talk will be held with Jill Magi, Jonny Farrow and Elizabet Elliot, a curator from Mobile, Alabama, about the current exhibits from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the IAC.
“I’m really excited to talk to Elizabet,” Farrow said. “If you don’t like me or my artwork, you should still come because Elizabet is awesome.
“It’s also a good chance to see a museum professional and the kinds of things that they do.”
Magi encourages students with questions to email her at jmagi@troy.edu. Farrow is also willing to meet and talk with any professors who would like to bring their students to see the artwork, schedules permitting.
For more information about the IAC's upcoming events, visit Instagram @iac_troyuniversity.
Comentarios