Before the “Liminal” art exhibit left the International Arts Center (IAC), students had the chance to participate in an artist talk and a closing reception to learn more about the artist and their work.
“Liminal” by Professor Sara Dismukes from Troy University’s Department of Art and Design displays the things that go unnoticed in day-to-day life.
“I've lived in Alabama for a long time, but I moved here from Vermont, and there's a radically different way that Vermont deals with its landscape that I think really struck me when I moved to Alabama,” Dismukes said. “In between here and Montgomery, [Sikes and Khon Country Mall] had these hand-painted billboards, which are really beautiful.
“They had someone who had been on staff for a long time and painted a bunch of billboards.
I was just really kind of struck by the skill that it took. I just was drawn to the visual language of it.”
Facilitated by Dr. Kenyon Holder, a professor with the Department of Art and Design, Dismukes answered questions related to her work in an artist talk this past Wednesday at the IAC.
Dismukes’ works depict the abandoned and decaying signage and buildings along Highway 231 she had seen while traveling on her way toward home. The works also explore themes of beauty in decay, which are seen in some of the artist’s earlier projects.
“I know it came up that some people might not like the ruralness,” said Zuri McDaniel, a senior digital studio art major from Baltimore, Maryland. “I know most artists, we are really into the naturalistic [stuff], we want to see it break down and fall apart.
“We're into skeletons, the weird stuff, but other people might see it and be like, ‘why not just paint a building or advertisement that's already done and perfect?’ It gives it just a little beauty with it breaking down.”
At the artist talk, students were able to learn more about Dismukes’ process within the exhibit. She explained her use of photography, methods of painting and paint choices and the importance of a sketchbook.
After Holder finished asking her questions, the floor was opened to a room filled with faculty and students from around campus to ask any questions about the exhibit or the artist.
“I thought it went really well because it had its own direction where the crowd became part of that conversation,” said Carrie Jaxon, the director of the IAC. “I really enjoyed hearing all the questions from committee members, students and other faculty and staff.”
The next day, the IAC organized a closing reception on Thursday, allowing students and staff the chance to view the artwork one last time before the walls were stripped and painted fresh for a new exhibit.
The next exhibit coming to the IAC will feature work from artist James Grimes, a professor of art at the University of Alabama.
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