'Crowded Space' Senior Art Exhibit Opens March 27, 2024

“Crowded Space,” featuring artwork by eight Wayne State College seniors, opens Wednesday, March 27, with a reception set for 4:30 p.m. in the Nordstrand Visual Arts Gallery, located on the main level of Conn Library. The exhibit is free and open to the public through April 19.

Artists include art education majors Gracie Beddow, Atkinson; Emilia Goetsch, Pierce; Miranda Roth, Lincoln; and Zaynab Kouatli, Stanton; studio arts majors Autumn Nies, Bloomfield; Rachel Nissen, Wisner; and Robert Van Heufeln, Grand Island; and graphic design/studio arts major Gabriel Perez, Pender.

“Crowded Space” examines heritage, emotion, life experiences, personal growth, and mental health through printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and painting. Beddow’s creations plunge into fantastical narratives and character development, inviting viewers into a whimsical world. The intangible take form in Goetsch’s artwork in a magical, yet dark and disturbed, manner. Roth’s works confront perceptions of self and belonging. Works by Kouatli challenge stereotypes and foster a more nuanced understanding of culture and identity.

Transforming abstract concepts into playful works of art is Nies’ forte, bringing silliness and fun to the dull and uneventful. While Nissen’s creations are inspired by her childhood and life experiences, Van Heufeln combines the beautiful with the grotesque to echo the complexity of nature and humanity. Perez incorporates bright colors and bold brush strokes to represent his culture, personality, and love of street art.

The gallery is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday. It is closed Saturday and shows end at noon on closing day.

For more information on this exhibit or upcoming shows, visit www.wsc.edu/art-gallery or contact Dr. Andy Haslit, director of the Nordstrand Visual Arts Gallery and professor of art history at Wayne State, at [email protected].