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Printer-Friendly ModeB.F.A. show displays two artists' pieces
January 21, 2008 —
Fine art. Refreshments. A bustling crowd of friends and family.
These are all things awaiting SVSU students Shoua Kue and Katherine Grulke as their work is officially unveiled at the B.F.A. Art Show reception on Thursday. The show, housed in the University Art Gallery in Arbury Hall, has been on display for public perusal since Jan. 14, and will remain up until Jan. 26.
Created as a capstone for B.F.A. seniors, the show also functions as the students' first "real world" exhibit and as an important experience for graduate or professional work already having gone through a series of oral examinations about their work and time at SVSU, the reception remains as a time to greet the public and show that they are ready for graduation, and for advancement in their field.
The artists and faculty involved with the gallery and reception feel that it is one of the strongest exhibits that they've seen. In particular, the contrast evident in the show is striking with two very different styles of work being presented by the artists. Much of Grulke's featured art focuses more on stylized wall installations and decorative screens while Kue presents a pattern and landscape series often with big faces evident in the display.
Kue in particular is excited about the work she has featured in this semester's show. A student since 2004, Kue has been interested in art from a very young age.
"I watched a lot of cartoons," she said.
She believes that this helped to push her already-potent interest in visual art. Describing her work as "fun, fresh, and modern," Kue said that all but one of her pieces at the gallery were created while studying at SVSU.
Art professor Matthew Zivich is very enthusiastic about the growth and work of the two seniors.
"I feel the works reflect their intelligence and creative abilities that are in every way well above the normal tendencies of average undergraduates."
Gallery Coordinator Dave Littell also believes both Kue and Grulke to be tremendously talented.
"They combine intelligence, keen insight, and strong artistic ability in their work," he said. "In addition, they both work very hard and are exemplary students."
The reception is designed as a casual meet and greet affair, but students are encouraged to dress for the importance of the occasion. While the two artists will not give a formal presentation and analysis of their work, they have submitted an artist statement as part of the process that is available for viewing. Kue and Grulke can also answer questions about their work and their experiences at SVSU firsthand at the exhibit.
