“ORIGIN” Featured on Display This Spring

By Stephanie Jones

The Dolce Valvo Art Center is located on campus at SUNY Niagara and is currently displaying “ORIGIN”, an exhibition that is showcasing the works of Paul Vanouse and Joan Linder. This exhibition will be on display from March 5th until April 22nd. Together the art works of the two artists both use different techniques, but they are also similar through identity and culture. The Art Center is a cultural yet creative space for the SUNY Niagara community, where you can find exhibitions on display as well as talks with the artists themselves. The experiences in the gallery can be both educational and allow opportunities for engagement.
Paul Vanouse has been a SUNY professor of art for more than 30 years. He is known for his innovative use of biological processes in art form. Working with ideas of emerging media he incorporates lab techniques such as analyzing DNA into his practice. He also challenges his viewers and students with his ideas. These ideas are centered around individual, racial and natural identity. The American Project and the The Human Scale Fountain are both featured in ORIGIN, allowing students to be able to experience the visual interactive elements Vanouse’s works. The Human Scale Fountain, collecting saliva reflects on shared human material and the experience walks you through a quite detailed presentation.
Joan Linders’ artwork is more traditional, complex and based on drawing techniques. Some pieces she uses a ballpoint pen, producing thousands sometimes hundreds of thousands of lines. Capturing images of consumer culture, human body and medical imaging connects these works to biology and society. One of Linders works “Ink and Paint on Paper” is featured on display, showing casing the art formed on paper bags of popular consumer stores.
While visiting the exhibition “Origin” I noticed the different approaches of each of the artists. The drawings of Linder had defined detail, and I found myself observing the precision of her works of art on display. Vanouse’s interactive exhibits made me feel like I was involved, I appreciated the information that was displayed to guide in understanding as I walked through. Overall, the experience felt personal, I was able to move at my own pace, capturing the entirety of the exhibit. Both artists together showcase the traditional and experimental forms of art. Although the artists’ ideas and art are different while in this space, I did feel as though it aligned.
Visitors can attend an Artist talk with Paul Vanhouse on April 1st there will be sessions held from 10:30am-11:30am and 12-1pm.
If you have time this Spring or looking for something no cost, “ORIGIN” is a must see!