Art show unveils students’ talent

“T he signs are in the stars.” So spoke Kary Mathys, newly graduated bachelor of fine art student of Eastern New Mexico University. She went on, describing her art work: “I find inspiration from myths, from images that inspire me.”

The mythical inspiration is obvious in her style, in the clean, bold, aspect of her work, in the almost Tarot appearance of her art. The stars, by the way, referred to my favorite contributions by her to the Bachelor of Fine Arts show, a series of Zodiac based pieces, “Gemini,” “Aquarius,” and “Virgo.”

The show is a rite of graduation for ENMU fine arts majors, and the reception Thursday evening featured very different styles.

In contrast to Kary’s style, some of which seemed to echo an influence from Art Deco poster work, there was the anime style of Anita Lisbell, who not surprisingly showed art work that laid the ground for, and led up to, a video presentation. Included in her display were not only story board sketches, but mounted cel prints.

In a different vein were the vibrant and primary colors of Timothy Boman, whose use of bold contrast and geometrically based shapes was dramatically impactful, whether in individual pieces such as “Canines” or the series that sequenced cosmos, prehistory, ancient Rome, and up to current times. Boman’s work envelopes hidden images and powerful use of contrast to draw the viewer into engagement with his view.

Following my wife’s recent trip to Albuquerque, and her return with the usual several art periodicals on the Corridor art scene, I have spent entirely too much time reading the efforts of other columnists and observers to describe peoples’ creations which, in the best cases, were usually accompanied only by black and white photos.

Often, as is my challenge here, the writer had no accompanying photos to guide the reader.

So I wish I could tell you to go to Runnels Gallery in the Golden Library. Unfortunately, as you read this, the show is down, the artists’ work is returned to their portfolios, or perhaps on its way to the galleries where it will hang.

A new and talented group of artists has been released into the world.

A fitting closing quote comes from communications instructor Lonzo Lassiter, referring to the work of video artist Nicole Vigil: “It makes all the long hours of teaching worthwhile, when you watch them grow and see their talents blossom.”