Fortification

Fortification

Drawing as Fortress.  Installation drawing project

It was my privilege to curate the MIX Gallery exhibition “Fortification” - the showcase of Denison University experimental student drawing projects led by Professor Melissa Vogley-Woods. This exhibition challenges the view that a “drawing” is simply pencil on paper.

Through a diverse use of media, these artworks demonstrate that a “drawing” could be any number of responses, including cutting, painting, sculpting as well as traditional pen/pencil on paper. These projects address such topics as self performance or gender, commodification and pop culture. In another series of works, students re-interpreted “shelter” as the underlying concept for the sculptural assemblage, considering the social issues as well as the design principles and the role of language.

Denison University students presented rigorous, material-based and process-driven works with a unique contemporary edge, showcasing the large-scale assemblage, and sculptural drawings as works that demonstrate a commitment to the delicate mark making, as well as traditional representation.

For the students, exhibiting their work in a professional gallery is an important learning process and I think that this is a compelling show with a great range of talented, thoughtful and inspiring responses.

-Mariana Smith

Flickr images of opening night
Photo credits: Ali Rose