Monday, September 25–Saturday, November 4, 2017
- Reception: Thursday, September 28, 2017, 5:30-7:30 pm, with live music by Ms. M and the Jokers
- Gallery Talk at 6:30 pm by Rob Millard-Mendez
- Artist demonstration/lecture by Millard-Mendez on Thursday, September 28, 1:15 pm, Room C191
Millard-Mendez is currently chair of the Art and Design Department at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville. As a woodworker and sculptor, his work often employs high craft but is also process-oriented and rich with historical references and personal narratives. He received his MFA in Sculpture from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and his BFA from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
In his artist statement, Millard-Mendez shares the inspiration and goals for his artworks: "The objects I make reflect the sensibilities of a person steeped in New England practicality who (for better or worse) ended up learning about things like art history, existentialist philosophy, and post-structuralist theory," he said. "Many of my sculptures are based on themes from classical mythology viewed through the lens of contemporary events. I have a strong interest in how my themes surface and re-surface throughout human history in many varied (but related) guises. I very much enjoy how masks and figurative sculptures are used in disparate cultures to play out everyday dramas that echo age-old narratives.
"It is my hope that my works will, in some small way, enrich the viewer and make him or her see the world as slightly more tragic or laughable (or possibly both at the same time)."
Image: Climate Change Plan B Boat, wood, paint, metal, coal, plastic, astroturf, 40"h x 29"w x 16"d, 2014