2007 Faculty Exhibition

CU Boulder�s art professors can do way more than just teach.

Comments (0) By Michael Paglia Thursday, Mar 8 2007

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If the styles used by Miller, Yazzie and Gregorio indicate that the '80s are back, several things in the show remind us that the '70s are, too. Particularly relevant to this observation are two great installations: C. Maxx Stevens's self portrait, which includes a dead bird and a feathered dress and looks classically feminist, and Chris Lavery's fabulous two-part contraption made of wooden structures and plastic shapes that includes an audio component. The Lavery is completely captivating, looking like a funky comic in three dimensions.

A departmental strength is ceramics, and the chief reason for that is Scott Chamberlin, who's developed a unique formal vocabulary based on conventionalizing organic shapes. His three pieces, which cover an entire wall, are remarkable for several reasons: the unusual and evocative shapes that seem to refer to sex; the technical achievement of pulling these complicated and large shapes out of the kiln in one piece; and the stunning colors, particularly that unbelievably rich blue. Another standout in the ceramics field is the ruffle of clay glazed in a spattered ivory color by Misuhng Suh. It's clearly one of the best things in the show.

Detail of the installation "Pattern That Connects," by Antonette Rosato.

"Paleta :: Pallet (Made in the U.S.A.)," Yumi Janairo Roth, mahogany and mother-of-pearl.

Details

Through March 23, CU Art Museum, Sibell Wolle Fine Arts Building on the Boulder campus, 303-492-8300.

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There's also quite a bit of interesting photography, especially Alex Sweetman's two inkjet prints of the sights in Washington. More narrative are the enigmatic black-and-white digital prints of people with boxes on their heads by Melanie Walker, the compelling three-generation portraits by Mia Semingson, and Albert Chong's vaporous and mystical inkjets on canvas. Also delving into storytelling is Mark Amerika's "Nature Photography, 2006-2007," an interactive computer creation.

I've left a lot out in this quick run-through of the 2007 Faculty Exhibition, but if you think it's important to know about the artists who teach in the most significant art department in the state -- I sure do -- take the time to make the trip to Boulder. The next chance you'll get to see what the faculty is doing will be a long time from now -- way after the new facility comes on line in two years.