Contact: John Fronczak, senior lecturer in art and art history, 308-865-8084, fronczakje1@unk.edu
Kearney, Neb., April 11, 2013 – Works by five studio art majors are on exhibit for their Bachelor’s of Fine Art Studio Exhibition at the University of Nebraska at Kearney Walker Art Gallery now through April 19.
The Walker Art Gallery is free and open to the public 8:30 a.m.-4:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. These students have artwork featured:
Alie Brabec of Clarkson used charcoal to create her pieces, “Weight of the World,” “Never Go Back,” “Let Go,” “Hiding Can’t Hide it All,” “Strength,” and “Exposed.” For her piece “Behind the Scenes,” she used charcoal and ink.
“Art creates emotion, whether positive or negative, it makes you feel something,” said Brabec. “Taking what people see as their flaws and making them beautiful in a piece of artwork not only makes their ‘imperfection’ something to be proud of, but it shows that they are not alone.”
Jake Hebbert of Hyannis is a BFA candidate exhibiting his work in digital media, “Selected Pieces from 1,000 Drawings.” Hebbert decided to work on his foundational skills and to practice his ability to quickly produce accurate drawings, using the concept of deliberate practice pioneered by K. Anders Ericsson.
“I used this method to draw 1,000 faces,” Hebbert said. “I began Nov. 20, 2010. With the exception of three days I drew every day until I reached my goal of 1,000 faces on Feb. 16, 2013.
He said the exercise helped him train his attention to see relationships of form with greater sensitivity and ease.
Jayme Broweleit of Kearney created several of her works using oil on canvas. Her works include “Peacock Party,” “Pretty in Pink,” “Man in the Machine,” “The Class Clown,” “Flower Doll,” “Masquerade Wedding,” “Man Behind the Mask,” “Candy Bar Boy,” “Fire Yin” and “Water Yang.”
“In our society, masks have become mostly aesthetic to hide flaws or conceal identity,” said Broweleit. “They may also be used to accentuate a characteristic or personality trait. In my series of portraits, I have utilized the masks to accent a personality, while at the same time hide identity.” After graduation, Broweleit plans to study abroad and work toward a Master’s Degree in painting.
Thomas Dircksen of Kearney created both sculptures using oak, steel, fiberglass, walnut, basswood and bronze; and paintings using latex; for his exhibit. His pieces include “Lascaux,” “Deep Within, Beneath the Skin,” “Breaking Down,” “The Unnamed Feeling, I Have to Set it Free,” “Here To Stay,” “The Cage We Have Built,” “Home,” and “Our Elaborate Dream.”
“My work investigates how the struggle of life feels as we experience it through abstracted, literal and symbolic representation,” said Dircksen. “It suggests that in struggle, we each build metaphorical cages for ourselves.” After graduation, Dircksen plans to work full-time and begin building a studio.
Ry Lowry of Kearney has works featured in etching, photogravure, digital, oil on canvas and on panel. Lowry explores “possible futures, bright and dark, near and distant.”
“Technology plays an important role in these worlds, and is often a catalyst for bringing them about,” Lowry said. “The interaction between people and technology gives rise to new questions and problems. Does technology necessarily bring about a better world? How should technology be applied to human problems? How can the advantages and disadvantages of technology be wisely balanced? I aim to show people experiencing the outcomes of these questions as their world progresses down imaginary (though perhaps possible) technological channels.
After graduation Lowry plans to continue printmaking and submitting artwork to exhibitions, while working in Kearney and searching for a graduate school.
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-Caitlin Ostberg
