Passion for social issues inspires art
June 2, 2016
From paintings and sculptures to furniture and mixed media pieces, a variety of art works, each of their own theme, is on display in the Euphrat Museum of Art this quarter as features in the spring Student Art Show.
No singular motif unifies the artwork in the show, but the sections are carefully laid out to emphasize the themes such as gay rights, war and poverty.
A piece that really stood out for me was “Seeking Refuge” by Jeannie Llweyln. A paper clay sculpture shows several people wrapped in rugged clothes and holding bundles. The piece embodies the current struggle that refugees are facing across the world today. The earthy colors used create a depressing tone, but the piece is also powerful. The bodies lack faces, symbolizing how easy it is to ignore real people and their lives behind the appellation of “refugee.”
Another interesting piece is “Miniatures” by Sarah Sauerzopf, a collection of sketches of cinematographic pop-culture figures The premise may seem dry, but the use of vivid watercolors and intricate details make this piece stand out.
“It’s nice, clean and simple,” said Atang Bingana, 20, economics major.
“Split Coffee Table” is another art piece that attracted Bingana’s attention, he said. A table made from walnut and steel by Jie Sun is beautifully crafted and designed, inspiring one to appreciate the amount of time, talent and effort that was put into making it.
Both “Miniatures” and “Split Coffee Table” are winners of juror’s award this quarter for the art show.
To participate in the show, students submitted up to two artworks and must have taken at least one art class at De Anza, Argabrite said.
Jurors, not from De Anza, judge each work of art so “that they’re fair and unbiased” said Argabrite.
Even though there is no specific theme for this quarter’s art show, it’s still a chance to see the amount of talent, work and effort some students at De Anza have.
Argabrite said, “It’s the passion and talent of the students that unites the show.”
The Student Art Show at De Anza’s Euphrat Museum of Art continues through June 9.
Hours are Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.