Like a great box of chocolate with everything from the pleasant praline to the luxurious truffle, the “SBCC Art Alumni Invitational” had the same amount of diversity and treat. Decorative oil paintings, a grand silver flag and sculptures in every shape and form were some of the treats shown at the Atkinson Gallery’s last presentation for this fall on Friday, Nov. 7. All of the artwork shown was created by alumni of City College’s art department.
There were 25 pieces from nine artists of all ages. All impressive, but just like that box of chocolate some were more memorable than others.
Jules de Balincourt, perhaps the most well-known artist of the nine representative, is famous for using knives, tape, spray paints and stencils in the style of outsider art. The artist displayed two colorful and detailed paintings “New-Found-Land” and “Scorpion Boys.” Both Paintings were made with oil and spray painted on a board and were displayed courtesy of a private collector.
The artwork that perhaps drew the most attention was Noel Korten’s “Log V” from 2014 worth $3,000. At first sight, it appeared to be just a simple wooden log, but as you took a closer look, you could see the log’s inside and appreciate its true beauty, proving that it’s the inside that matters.
Cal Volner-Dison’s “Flag,” was a massive aluminum silver pole flag from 2013 worth $1,000. A piece of artwork that was probably the first item the audience noticed as they walked into the building. The shining silver flag with the golden knob on top seemed peculiar at first but once you took a closer look you could see your own reflection and in that moment all I could think of was the famous lyrics of “Imagine” by John Lennon.
“Imagine there’s no countries, it isn’t hard to do. Nothing to kill for and no religion too.”
A flag that represented a nation for everybody who viewed it and became a part of it.
One of the more hidden artwork, but nonetheless noteable, was Cal Volner- Dison’s second piece featured at the Atkinson Gallery, the “Where To Start” vinyl from 2012 worth $600. It’s white with cryptic words written on a white wall and shaped as a circle, leaving the admirer to guess which word comes first.
“Simulation is infinitely more dangerous since it always suggest…” was the ambiguous message written as a circle of words. The audience was left with a smug smile on their lips once they interpreted the meaning behind the words.
The largest artwork featured was Jessica Mei Flemming’s “900 yards.” It is a monoprint made by cotton thread dipped in etching ink and falls in a loosely controlled manner by Mei Flemming. A series of lines created on the paper in grey, black and blue tones, with one red line, fighting its way in the ball of chaotic waived lines, glowed the brightest.
“900 yards” has been sold to a private collector and for Flemming it was the first time in years she saw her work again.
The “SBCC Alumni invitational” was a great way to end this falls final exhibit at the Atkinson. The gallery will host the work until Dec. 5, in the Humanities Building.
