The opening reception of “Strange Attractors: Exchanges between Reason and Potential” exhibit was hosted at IU Southeast in the Barr Gallery.
The show was organized by Brian Harper, assistant professor of fine arts.
It will showcase the works of 10 artists for a total of three weeks, ending on Feb. 16.
The exhibit is based on research Harper conducted on both the chaos theory and the butterfly effect. The chaos theory involves applied mathematics and studies dynamical systems while the butterfly effect demonstrates how a small manipulation can alter everything.
The term “strange attractor” is derived from the chaos theory. It is defined as a developing system that never retreats to its original character or place.
“I’m trying to make the analogy of going through life,” Harper said. “I’ve put together a group of artists that can implement the changes throughout life.”
The exhibition features works by various artists including Brian Boldon, Kris Grey, Gibbs Rounsavall and Travis Shaffer.
There are also two displays that are collaboration pieces — one by Daniel Bare and Valerie Zimany and another by IUS alumni Russel Hulsey and Thomas deLisle.
The collaboration piece by Bare and Zimany, who are both from South Carolina, is the result of a three-day workshop previously held on campus.
Students were able to help fabricate the work, which is made of items purchased from Goodwill clearance centers dipped in porcelain clay.
“I helped Daniel Bare and Valerie Zimany,” Miranda Brecht, fine arts senior, said. “I got to dip some of the slips in the clay in the gallery. That was a cool experience.”
The show features different types of media rather than just paintings or pottery.
“It’s about the idea rather than the media,” Harper said.
Next to each display is a statement about the artist and their various perspectives on what their work symbolizes.
“I want people to be able to have an educational experience of coming to the show,” Harper said. “Through their work, these artists help to extract personal meaning from our public discovery. After experiencing this work, the perceptions of the viewer can never again be in the same place – these artists are our strange attractors.”
By JENNIFER
HARRINGTON
Staff
jeharrin@umail.iu.edu