To most, “springtime” means blooming flowers, warm sunshine, and an all-around appreciation for the beauty that winter has been hiding. For us jaded Georgetown students, though, our sunshine is blocked by the looming shadow of finals, and the cramming, writing, and preparation that they’ve foisted upon us. Because, let’s face it, nothing sucks the appreciation for art or beauty or life out of you quite like a few consecutive nights staring at the inside of a cubicle on Lau 4.
But if you do manage to extract yourself from the beacon of learning and need a respite to regain some perspective, go to Walsh’s Spagnuolo Gallery. From April 28 to May 21, the gallery and office across the hall are hosting the 2010 Senior Majors’ Art Exhibition, a collection of student artwork by a talented contingent of artsy Hoyas, the few Georgetown almost-grads who’ve maintained their appreciation for the finer things.
The showcase is diverse and extensive, encompassing a few prized pieces from 11 art majors of all concentrations. Though small, the gallery’s space is very well-allocated, making each individual artist the main focus as the viewer moves around the room.
Photo by Hilary Nakasone
And as one moves from artist to artist, the talent and creativity that is often hidden at Georgetown shines through as bright as that May sun we all seem to forget about. Juliet Papantonio’s pair of large oil-on-canvas paintings, two portraits on pale green backgrounds embody both human emotion and artistic precision. Though they shy away from the viewer, the eyes in Papantonio’s self-portrait contain the glossy, emphatic detail of an expert painter.
There are various other works on canvas too, but painting is by no means the only, or even central, type of artwork on display. There are photography collections, with understated black-and-white images of people in settings from Denmark to Wyoming by Katie Hennessy, and a group of dark, sexually-charged photographs of models bearing with streaks of vibrant neon paint by Cady Gokey that contrast nicely.
The most striking works, however, are the most unconventional, like the sculptures by Kelly Carlson that are scattered throughout the exhibit. Her works are meticulously crafted artistic interpretations of fully functional clocks. “Healy” is a particularly striking, black-wire replica of the Hilltop’s iconic building, complete with an oversized pendulum swinging from the clock tower. She evokes a different emotion entirely with “Untitled,” where the timepiece’s black hands are set on a background of splintered glass, expertly tied together with silver wire.
So should you break away from the toil of schoolwork to check out the gallery, there will be plenty there to remind you of the beauty beyond the library. But remember, even though Carlson’s creations are particularly gorgeous and intriguing, you must be careful—staring at the clock will only slow your paper’s progress.
What a great way for the students to show off their work. Hopefully if I make it to DC I’ll be able to see the gallery.