Owen Mitchell, Staff Writer—
Visitors to the Denison Museum will not just witness a showcase of art; they will be presented with an inspiring call to resilience and change.
On August 28th, 2023, The Denison Museum opened its doors for students to take a look at three towering figures in the contemporary art scene. Faculty across different disciplines conjured an exhibition that allows students to see a vibrant world of three international contemporary artists. Through their varied artworks, these artists put together pieces that convey the problems of our global issues head on.
Indonesian artist, Mulyana, invites us into a colorful universe of his cheerfully knitted sculptures. It underscores the wonders of nature, from a seascape of yellow fish, to intricate costumes described as “Mogus’ characters. These Mogus characters are in the form of costumes that resemble monster figures, but they have human posture and can be worn by a person. Mulyana is concerned with the fragility of natural environments. He draws from personal connections to batik textiles as well as his connection to animated television shows from his childhood.
Ukrainian artist, Zinaida, displays a heartfelt philosophical work through her videos, performances, and picturesque paintings. She explores the topic of life in the realities of the 21st century. It plunges deep into a sense of traditional cultures and the diversity of authenticity. Her video’s presented at The Denison Museum discourses on the life and traditions of the Polishchuk people. The art piece is a testament to human tenacity and perseverance through the trials and tribulations the Polishchuk people face based on their circumstances. Through her lens, the viewers can almost feel the pulse of the community and can hear their charting stories of survival and resilience.
To complement all the rich tapestries in this exhibit there is a chance to view the masterful work of Shinji Turner-Yamamoto, a Japanese artist. His sculptures capture the breath of life into the static nature of our world. He takes fossils and minerals and turns them into objects that mediate human relationships with our environment. The sculptures stand in silence, yet they speak volumes of testimony on the threads attached to humankind and the Earth’s pulsating rhythms. Shinji’s work employs a historic and natural element to our world, inviting us to be introspective and marvel at the connection between the natural world and the social world.
The museum will stay open for view until December 1st, 2023. Students and visitors of Denison should take this unique opportunity to view the rich narratives of resilience and change in our contemporary. It is a beacon of inspiration, and allows viewers to take in a deep rooted respect for the resilience innate in all of us.