Newest Zuckerman exhibition caters to many artistic styles

KSU student Caitlyn David admiring the work in the Reflections exhibit.

The latest exhibition at Kennesaw State University’s Zuckerman Museum of Art, “Reflections: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future, Ten Years of the Zuckerman Museum of Art” presents a journey of their history.

The exhibit is comprised of two large rooms with a variety of traditional, modern and experimental art.

Curated by Cynthia Nourse Thompson, the exhibit features works from the Zuckerman’s permanent collection with grace and beauty. As you ascend the stairs to the galleries, you can see the earthy tones and textures of Leandra Urrutia’s and Ato Ribeiro’s works adorning the walls. These pieces, with their intricate and thoughtful patterns, set a calming tone as if easing the museum-goer into the experience.

“Reflections” allows for a multitude of human expressions to be observed as you advance throughout the story of the Zuckerman Museum of Art’s extensive collection. The exhibit takes an extensive journey of mediums beginning with traditional oil paint on canvas to screenprints, lithographs, mixed media and sculptures. In this way, this demonstration is perfect for the new, or even regular, museumgoer by offering something for everyone.

Multiple pieces from previous exhibitions are displayed at the entrance to Clayton Gallery, such as the ceramic stoneware of Donté Hayes whose work was featured in last year’s exhibit.

Traditional oil paintings of landscapes with sweeping fields, animals and historical figures begin the experience. One of the most attention-grabbing pieces in the gallery is a depiction of George Washington holding an eagle-headed baby over a globe.

George Washington holding an eagle-headed baby over a globe along with other paintings in the Reflections exhibit.
George Washington holding an eagle-headed baby over a globe along with other paintings in the Reflections exhibit. Photo Credit: Daylan Johnson.

In addition, there is an extensive series of screenprints and mixed media work. One of the collections is of the works of Leonid Tishov, who would likely appeal to those interested in the comic art form. Among his featured works is “The Cosmology of Deep Sea Divers” depicting the innards of a diver sprouting wings and covered in stars.

“The Cosmology of Deep Sea Divers” by Leonid Tishov
“The Cosmology of Deep Sea Divers” by Leonid Tishov Photo Credit: Daylan Johnson

Down the hall from the exhibit is the Mortin Gallery transformed into a comprehensive timeline of the Zuckerman’s history. The gallery hosts various sculptures as well as paintings, most notably “Leaning Man III” by Viola Frey, a striking figure that towers over the viewer in vibrant blue, orange and yellow.

“Leaning Man III” by Viola Frey
“Leaning Man III” by Viola Frey Photo Credit: Wes Alvis

Among the many paintings featured in the gallery is Priscilla Warren Roberts’ “Rocking Chair”- a hyper-realistic oil painting that astonishes viewers with its lack of any noticeable brushstrokes.

If you have never been to the Zuckerman, go. “Reflections” provides a collage of all the Zuckerman has to offer and is extensive in its variety. This year’s curation offers a unique experience from years past that everyone should definitely check out. This showcase is nothing if not a showcase of KSU’s history and pride. So, take a chance and explore this unique exhibition.

For more information explore The Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art page on the KSU website.