The OSU Urban Art Space is currently exhibiting its faculty show. Faculty shows at my alma mater were always amazing, and I just thought it was cool to see what the profs work on when they're not critiquing students. So, I was interested in checking out the OSU art prof work.
First of all, let me say that I had forgotten that one of my all-time favorite artists, Scot Kaplan, teaches at OSU. I was amped when I saw his name on the roster. I only found one of his pieces in the gallery. It was a video, and I didn't understand it, or at least I don't think I did. Though I'm sure if he were there to lecture on it, I would get it. His lectures are amazing; he's a pretty brilliant guy.
My favorite pieces were those in the Myopic series by Steve Thurston. These were all sculpted animals, some solid, some holey, and some a half solid/half holey. I've included a photo for reference. There was also a really awesome tent shaped like a head and painted bronze. I didn't note the artists' name (shame), but it reminded me of the mad scientist in The City of Lost Children. Man, I love art films.
One prof had displayed his sketchbooks. One of my favorite things to do is snoop through someone else's sketchbook. They were in display cases, so I couldn't turn the pages or anything, but I got a good enough idea of what he's into.
Other than the above mentioned pieces, I didn't see much that held my attention at this show.
The space was great. They left some of the old structural foundation poking out in places on the walls. They definitely have plenty of room to be creative. There are several breakout spaces, and the floor is multi-level. In one of the back spaces, there was a group of kids taking part in a sort of open mic program. Some were singing, one played the trumpet; I think I heard one read some poetry.
I'll have to go back to another show to get a better idea of what they're all about, but so far, so good. read more