Stacks of paintings mostly impressionistic, blotchy floral scapes cover a table at the George Sherman Union. Think Monet-style in bulk, just right for those bare dorm room walls. But directly overhead in the Sherman Gallery, in the Boston University’s School of Visual Art’s annual Best in Show, the most notable work in drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and graphic design as chosen by the professors is on display. The show, running through Oct. 12th, offers a glimpse at the array of talent that can usually be found holed up in the studios of 855 Commonwealth Ave. Back away from the muddy pastoral scene and take a jaunt up the stairs to see the best of what BU SVA has to offer.
Showcasing the work of last year’s freshmen, sophomores and juniors, Best in Show ‘introduces the freshmen and the rest of BU to what goes on at the School of Visual Arts,’ said Judith Simpson, interim director of the school. The show opened Thursday, Sept. 3, with a reception immediately following the school’s freshmen welcoming assembly.
‘Part of the purpose of the show is for first year students get an idea of what their immediate predecessors have done,’ said Harold Reddicliffe, professor of painting and drawing. ‘It’s also good for the students to get recognition’ he added.
Upon entering the space, one comes face-to-giant-face with a drawing by Raymond Heekin. It is an extremely realistic close-up of a head, the eyeglasses trapping light and reflecting a small face in the left lens. This work displays the mix of individual style and careful attention paid to technical aspects that echoes throughout the show.
Self-portraiture abounds in the exhibit’s drawings. Alla Furmanova, a junior in SVA whose own self-portrait from printmaking class is displayed, explains why. ‘You’re always there you can always work for yourself. It’s also easier to see if you improve. I guess you could get a friend to sit for you, but who’s going to want to sit in front of you for like 20 hours?’
In addition to their utilitarian functions, self-portraits also make strong statements. The awkward search for identity is captured in a drawing by Peter Shenck: the artist stands at an easel, glancing sideways at himself in a full-length mirror, which is propped up against a wall full of previous self-portraits depicting him accessorized with everything from a side turned cap and avaitors to a head full of cornrows. In the reflection, he is dressed simply in a t-shirt and cargos, wearing headphones.
Splashes of color come from the paintings, like Brian Dunn’s still life of a storage space in the College of Fine Arts building. Bold, thick brush strokes build a jumble of rubber storage bins, leaning canvases and a hanging object on the back wall. The light streaming in from tall windows infuses them with bright colors.
‘The storage spaces really inspired him’ said Richard Raiselis, the painting professor who selected the work for the show. Raiselis and Reddicliffe both noted that this show, a condensed version of the end of the year show, is just a taste of the impressive work that goes on in the School of Visual Arts year round. ‘It’s nice for people to see their work on display outside the classroom in a gallery that looks like a professional public gallery,’ added Raiselis.
A sculpture of a standing woman made out of thick metal wire by Jacqueline Gleisner, Sally McIntyre and Melanie Serkes is striking for its combination of strength and sleekness. Amir Akhavan’s photograph of an alley draws the viewer into its world; amongst the cracked painted walls, the strung bare bulbs create intricate angular snatches of shadow and light as a man is captured in mid-stride. Graphic designers have envisioned the art of the everyday everything from re-imagined CD and book covers to the artistic utility of bottles of balsalmic vinegar.
Furmanova thinks shows like this are important for exposing the larger BU community to what goes on in SVA. ‘In other schools, they think that we come and draw and have fun and go home. But it’s a lot of work’ she says. ‘We spend nights in studio. It’s every day, six hours plus homework.’
Art at BU: the non-stackable kind.