Many students on campus have a passion for art and creativity and wonder what Wright State has to offer them. Well, one of the first events of the semester gives students the opportunity to talk to a renowned artist and observe his work. Starting September 2 through October 14, the Stein Galleries in the Creative Arts Center will showcase sculptor James Sullivan’s exhibition.
According to the wright.edu/artgalleries website, this will be Sullivan’s first time coming to Wright State. He holds a degree in philosophy from Yale University and a Master’s Degree of Fine Arts from California State University. He is currently chair of the Sculpture and Design Department at Meadows School of Arts, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Sullivan is known for his interesting methods that explore issues of human consciousness and the physical presence of the body.
Stefan Chinov, Associate Professor of Art and Art History, who curated the exhibition, said, “Sullivan is an important and influential artist and WSU is fortunate to have him.” Chinov also explained, “During his show titled, ‘The Reluctance of Things,’ you can expect to view large pieces. One of the large pieces, a 400 lb cast iron sculpture, will be suspended from the ceiling in the center of the gallery, hovering just a few inches from the floor on a long metal bar bolted to one of the ceiling beams. Also there will be a series of smaller objects including a lot of flat work, drawings and prints on the wall. Some of the smaller pieces are done with computer modeling technology called haptic modeling, a process that can be described as modeling without physical materials and then printing the virtual products in 3D to use them as casting prototypes.”
This exhibition is free to the public. It will give students a chance to see some pieces by a renowned artist, which then can be used in sculpture and drawing classes. On September 2 at 3pm, the gallery will open starting with a reception and a chance to talk to the artist.
“Everyone should attend the opening and engage in an exciting and thought-provoking visual experience, and to hear an important and remarkable artist talk about his work and motivations,” said Chinov.
With the support of The Ohio Arts Council, The Friends and Members of the Galleries and Wright State University College of Liberal Arts, this event was made possible. For more information about this event go to www.wright.edu/artgalleries/sullivan[gallery]
