The Eisentrager-Howard Gallery in Richards Hall presents the “Spring 2020 MFA Graduates in Studio Art: Neil Celani + P.J. Hargraves.”
The exhibition opened Sept. 21 and continues through Oct. 2. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 12:30-4:30 p.m. or by appointment. A maximum of 15 people will be allowed in the space at a time. There will be no opening or closing receptions for the exhibition.
Celani’s exhibition is titled “Eat My Quartz.” His body of work engages with pop iconography explored through the lens of ancient ceramics.
In his artist statement, he wrote, “My work is centered around the pot and grounded by a profound fascination for this object, an inquisitive passion for its kaleidoscopic histories, and a deep respect for its makers. With the capacity to communicate conceptual meaning and serve as items of utility, pots not only dance in that notorious territory between art and craft, they embody the human experience.”
Hargraves’ exhibition is titled “Cornucopia.” He creates imaginary, contained environments in which trees are bursting in joyous, full bloom.
In his artist statement, he wrote, “These scenes are teeming with life, an idealized abstraction of the natural world. Arrangements of birds and flowers adorn the pieces as a pattern of abundance and celebration. My sculptures are an overtly optimistic alternative to the pessimism that is present in many aspects of our culture, alluding to unabashed delight through the use of traditional American folk symbols and metaphors of good fortune, perseverance, hopefulness, and strength.”
The Eisentrager-Howard Gallery is located on the first floor of Richards Hall, which is located at Stadium Drive and T streets on the university’s city campus. Parking is available in the nearby Stadium Drive Parking Garage.
For more information, contact the School of Art, Art History & Design at (402) 472-5522.
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