The “Prints and Paintings” guest artist exhibition held in the Fine Arts Gallery showcased works by Freed Hardeman University Arts faculty Brian Bundren and Laquita Thomson.
The exhibition runs through Feb. 9 from 1-5 p.m.
In the gallery, one entire wall displays works by Bundren, and the other displays Thomson’s works.
Nearly all of Bundren’s paintings contained dark and muted colors, as well as shades of brown and blue. All of his paintings were oil on panel.
Each piece contained drips, smears and blurs of the paints, creating a mysterious and melancholic vibe. The paintings were also composed of different images working together.
The first painting I viewed that really stood out to me was an untitled piece of a woman with her eyes blurred out, sitting next to what appeared to be an upside-down brown rabbit. In the back of the piece is a shadowed man.
This piece incited fear in me because of the blurred features and the rabbit. The colors and brushstrokes in the painting created this indescribable feeling of a beautiful sadness.
As a stark contrast, Thomson’s pieces across the exhibition were much brighter than Bundren’s.
All of her prints were floral pieces created through reduction linocut, or linoleum block printing. This means that a pattern was carved on a block, covered with ink and then transferred to paper. This process continues for each piece in a different color. Thomson’s pieces contained a mix of very dark and bright colors.
One of Thomson’s pieces that stood out to me was the print titled “Magnolia Bud”. The bright colors of the magnolia popped against the muted blue of the background image.
All of Thomson’s pieces, including this one, were happy and gave me a stronger appreciation for the floral aspect of nature.
Overall the exhibit was astounding. Both artists’ works were beautiful, and the different mediums really brought each artist’s work to life.
A closing reception will be held Feb. 9, from 3-5 p.m., and a talk with the artist will be held the same day at 4 p.m.
“Magnolia Bud” by Laquita Thomson. | Pacer Photo/ Hannah Hughes
