Kitty immerses herself in the 3 new site-specific installations at Eastern State Penitentiary–Unconquerable Soul by Piotr Szyhalski and Richard Shelton, Hakims’s Tale by Erik Ruin and Gelsey Bell, and Sepulture by Jared Scott Owen. These 3 installations explore themes of surveillance, survival, and mortality that resonate with the original function of this 19th-century prison as well as our contemporary criminal justice system.
Read MoreWhile I chuckled at Kelley Donahue’s satirical clay figures and found the virtuoso drawing installation by Paul Santoleri a wow both for its graphic impact and its politically-charged subject-matter, it is Joanna Platt’s “Timelines” that moved me, with its simple message of connection. The idea of shared space, shared memories, and the suggestion that technology brings us together yet keeps us apart is something we all should ponder.
Read MoreAn artist travels the world studying ancient techniques and translates her knowledge into evocative contemporary works. Magdalene Odundo, OBE, is in residence at The Clay Studio until April, 2017. Artblog contributor, Kitty Caparella interviews the artist, who will speak about her work at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Saturday, April 8, 2017.
Read MoreThe unusual combination of works appears to represent studies of the human condition–music stilled, broken bones, poverty, torture, a near-death experience, and more. The works are crammed together, much like the city, much like Temple University itself, as they present artists’ views of disparate problems facing us.
Read More“I didn’t see my life going anywhere,” said Lugo, who grew up in a series of burned out and damaged homes that his father—a Pentecostal preacher, factory worker, and occasional vendor—was repairing.
Read MoreHe wants students to enjoy how paint is applied to canvas, not worry about color theory. But in his own way, he is teaching color theory through feelings and sight.
Read MoreInspired by Mexican muralist Jose Clemente Orozco’s “The Epic of American Civilization,” Shaw decided to create his own interpretation of the American story. He’s been working on the project for seven years.
Read MorePerkins curator Alan Willoughby says about Poacelli, who teaches a class in mixed media at the art center: “I love her work. She has a great sense of color, layering, space and vibrancy. She is constantly producing, and people are not tired of looking” at her art.
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