Art Inspires Art: Union College Visual Arts Faculty

January 12th-February 22nd, 2012

The vibrancy of the Visual Arts Faculty at Union College is palpable, and is due at least in part to their differences.   These artists differ in their techniques, narratives and even philosophies.  Chris Duncan’s steel and wood sculptures express a vigorous push-pull between the linear and the organic, the cerebral and the visceral, but ultimately elicit permanence.  The per passo il tempo project of Charles Steckler  is ever mutable and uses line to record patterns of nature and to probe the unconscious as the Surrealists did with “automatic drawing.” Walter Hatke’s startlingly precise canvases of uninhabited rooms evoke a provocative stillness.  However, all three of these artists do share a regard for drawing, and view it as essential to their work; whether to speed up the idea process (Duncan), slow it down by changing scale and placement (Hatke) or for the experience itself as a vehicle to meditation (Steckler).

Other artists from the faculty are tied to technology, but from very different angles.  Sandy Wimer is a printmaker and has eagerly mastered various printmaking processes whether it be lithography, etching, photogravure and digital; each technology offering the possibility to investigate color, line and paper in different ways. Fascinated with the interaction of computer engineering, conceptual art and sculpture, Fernando Orellana, who teaches 3D computer art and video art, creates virtual worlds critiquing our perceptions and assumptions. Martin Benjamin uses photography to deepen his experience of the real. His work deepens our experience of the real, from taking club shots of jazz and rock and roll, to exploring the cultures within cultures around the world through juxtaposition.

A catalogue accompanies the exhibition to showcase the work of these artists and also to offer students a chance to question their mentors about their art.  Each professor chose a student to interview them about their work and life, and those interviews became part of the catalogue. The resulting interviews are remarkable. The students have teased out motivations and interests not always present in the classroom. At the same time, a new connection has been made between teacher and student.  Another connection between the artists is revealed through the interview process: they are all dedicated to sharing their knowledge with students and are energized by the continual renewal that comes with each new class and each new student. Art inspires art.

– Marie Costello, Interim Director, Mandeville Gallery

The faculty artists include: Martin Benjamin, Chris Duncan, Walter Hatke, Fernando Orellana, Charles Steckler and Sandra Wimer