Department of Art and Art History, 308.865.8081
The work of internationally known artist Ben Sum is on display at the University of Nebraska at Kearney Walker Art Gallery now through Friday, Feb. 17.
Against the Wind is a series of charcoal “tree drawings” in which Sum uses an Asian influence to depict patterns of light and dark.
Kern Harshbarger, director of the Walker, said, “As I was unpacking the boxes, I was thinking, ‘Tree branches?’ But once we got it (the show) up on the wall, it’s very impressive.”
“It was like a puzzle we had to put together,” Harshbarger said. “He did have a sequence for the show. This is where an artist comes in. Ben Sum sees beauty where others see a tree desperately in need of moisture.”
In describing his work, Ben Sum said the “tree drawings” were responses to his emotions.
“The leafless branches not only evoke the feelings of loneliness and isolation, but also suggest strength and determination,” he said.
Sum is an assistant professor of art at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. He will visit UNK in mid-February to judge the annual Kappa Pi Student Art Show. Sum’s artwork has been exhibited throughout the United States as well as overseas.
