Gallery provides rare glimpse into urban legends and myths
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 03/06/2009
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Bigfoot, sewer gators and Dracula are formulating in the minds of contemporary artists in one of Purdue’s art galleries.
When the words urban legend and myth come to mind, many think of creatures or stories that have been told over generations, but usually have little evidence to prove them true. A new theme at the Purdue Stewart Center Gallery is giving the opportunity to 15 artists from across the country to dig into their imagination and provoke curiosity in the minds of viewers.
Starting today the Stewart Center Gallery is presenting an art exhibition called “Urban Legends and Rural Myths.” If viewers are not drawn in from the title itself, then their own fascination and juvenile fixation will intrigue them to look farther. The gallery ranges from inkjet photographs, sculptures, paintings and three-dimensional and flat-based objects; everything in the gallery is surreal and subjective.
Many have watched shows that focused on ghost haunting or the monster in the lake; this exhibit brings out the weird vibes and odd twists to age-long stories.
“The artwork has all sorts of odd twists and little scenes that capture the humor and morbidity,” said Craig Martin, the Galleries director. “I would describe it as for a mature audience because it is provocative and spooky, yet intriguing.”
Not to be discouraged by the words “mature audience,” the creativity and humor expands viewers’ eyes to endless possibilities. Few would ever imagine a praying mantis dressed in clothing or a man dressed as a cat being rescued by a firefighter. The artists’ goal is to tap into belief systems and questioning.
All artists in the show are either professional or students chosen by Martin. One artist featured in the exhibit is Catya Plate, who has four paintings displayed all called “Buttons in the Garden of Earthly Delights.” Plate’s work creates a futuristic setting of nature and the fragmented human body, expressing the “mess” humans created.
“Looking several times contributes to the fact that humans are attention deficit,” Plate said. “My artwork will intrigue you because of all the things going on.”
The exhibit will be open until April 26, so viewers will be able to get their own reaction to the out-of-the-ordinary pieces of art that bring forth the unsettling creativity that exists in all.
Fast Facts
Where: Stewart Center Gallery
When: March 9 - April 26
Tickets: Open to the public