Untitled no. 9, an exhibition of student art
Sadie Short
News Writing Student
Photos, paintings, and sculptures lined the walls and filled the floor of the room, some colorful and exuberant, others dark and ominous. No matter the subject of these works of art, all took the viewer on an aesthetic journey.
Nov. 20 was opening night for Untitled no. 9, the portfolio exhibition for the nine visual art majors graduating in December from OCCC.
Leanne Heck, one of the featured artists, said she used a tragic time in her life as inspiration behind most of her pieces. One of Heck’s pieces was a photo she had taken of her son with the caption reading “I live my life for you because you never got the chance.”
“The death of my four-and-a-half-month-old son this past January had a huge impact on my work,” Heck said “The emotion that I experienced is reflected in my pieces. Some of them show the sadness and pain from dealing with my loss and some show the childlike qualities that he brought into my life.”
Heck said she was nervous about introducing such personal details about her life.
“I didn’t know how people would react to some of my pieces,” she said. “I didn’t want the people who came to see the show to think I was a completely dark and depressed person. My artwork just became a very therapeutic outlet for the emotions I went through.”
The opening night of the show drew a turnout of about 50 people, Heck said.
“We were pretty pleased with how many people showed up,” Heck said.
Spectators were able to enjoy hors d'œuvre and music while viewing the show.
“I enjoyed the show,’” said McKenzie Black, business major. She said she came to the opening because one of her friends whose work was in the show.
Black said she enjoyed all the art on display.
“I know they all worked really hard to prepare for this,” she said. One of Blacks’ favorite pieces was “Caged Heart.” This piece was a vintage birdcage with rustic locks and chains wrapped around it and a sparkling heart on the inside. “I liked the piece because I could tell there was a lot of emotion behind it.”
The other artists showcased were Robert Ahboah, Neina Ochoa, Anna Heaton, Betty Epley, JoAnna Garza, Rogina Mathes, Krystal Jones, and Matt Jackson. All nine of the artists had a minimum of six pieces featured in the show.
The pieces were made up of a variety of art media including photography, sculpture, painting, drawings, and three-dimensional designs. Along with all of their art pieces, each artist gave an artist’s statement so viewers could better understand the inspiration behind their works.
The show will be available for viewing during regular business hours in the Visual and Performing Arts building, room 124 until Dec. 4.
For more information contact Leanne Heck at 623-2054 or McKenzie Black at 202-7132
