Event 4 - UCLA New Wight Gallery

          On June 6, I had the opportunity to attend the New Wight Gallery for the One Hundred: Undergraduate Senior Exhibition that features UCLA Department of Art undergraduate senior students. I had a really great time at this exhibition, as it offered so many unique and creative works that inspired me in so many different ways. 

 Angel Liang, Untitled, Ceramic, 15 x 9.5 x 5.5". 

(photo © by Mariana Mkrttchyan)

          As I walked through the gallery, my attention was particularly drawn to two works that I was intrigued by. The first Untitled work was by undergraduate student Angel Liang. This work is a perfect example of art and science coming together. Made from ceramic, the piece consists of a heart positioned on a stand. Painted bone white, the heart is left open from behind, as it is meant for you to see the inside of the organ. Sitting at the center is a bloomed rose, as the artist puts emphasis by sprinkling blue glitter over it. It quickly stood out to me that the artist's intent was to show the resemblance between vines and arteries and veins. However, after spending some time viewing this work, I took away something much deeper than just a mere resemblance. It got me thinking about the meaning behind roses and how they are rooted in love and affection. Therefore, I feel like the artist is trying to convey that such a plant has the power to open hearts, and with an open heart, you are more likely to see the world in a new light and do things that make you happy. 

Lauren Nicole Vincent "Nomadio and Cantu."
(photo © by Mariana Mkrttchyan)

          The second installation that caught my eye was by undergraduate student Lauren Nicole Vincent. I actually got to personally meet Lauren and her sweet dog before the opening reception, as she was extremely kind to allow me to take a selfie with her and her dog. First, I have to say that Vincent was very thorough with her work. I was really moved by Vincent's installation because of the message she is trying to send to her viewers and that is her relationship to her culture, and image as an African American woman. Immediately noticing all of the hair tools, Vincent's focus was on personal appearance and how she perceives the world perceiving her, specifically when it comes to her own hair and body. As society associates hair with beauty, the artist gets us to think why we even perceive beauty in such a way. Moreover, the artist got me to think about where natural beauty even fits in a world of plastic surgery. Particularly interesting, the artist also incorporated a video demonstrating the laborious routines of self-care, nicely tying technology with her artwork. 

Me with Lauren and her Dog. 

(photo © by Mariana Mkrttchyan)

          This exhibition will be available for viewing until June 15. I would highly recommend you visit this exhibition, as you will get to experience art from so many different perspectives and see art, science, and technology really coming together.