Sections

Brandeis thrives on its theater and arts. Appropriately, students and faculty gathered at the Dreitzer gallery in Spingold Theater to view recent artwork completed by undergraduates this past Wednesday night. The opening reception for the exhibit, titled “Dimensions 2,” featured work from the more advanced art classes as well as the introductory drawing classes.

A handful of students were gathered in the hallway soon after the opening and many students walked around the gallery. Students whose work was being featured as well as one or two staff members from the art department were touring friends and peers through the gallery.

The open layout and visibility of the gallery from above made it aesthetically pleasing. The lighting was gentle and the pure white room made it seem open and warm. The gallery’s openness allowed the people viewing the art to avoid getting in each others’ way while looking at the exhibit.

Viewing the art was an enjoyable experience, with the gallery empty enough to walk around, allowing the viewer to really appreciate the different pieces of artwork that were featured. The variety of paintings hosted by the intermediate painting class—a selection of larger paintings and tiny paintings—included an interesting mix as the subjects varied with every image.

The collection of drawings and pieces by the beginning drawing class demonstrated skill much beyond that expected of a beginner’s class. The interesting collection of mirrors and reflections done by one of the painting classes was fascinating. The variety of ways by which they portrayed the reflections of different people made looking at each a unique experience.

The image of the reflection of the girl in the smartphone was an example of how technology has taken over a large part of our lives, and how most people always have their phones. The vivid coloring of the paintings in the gallery made a huge impact on the viewing experience. The drawings themselves, even with black and white, had so many aspects that made them easy to look at for a long time and discover things not seen at first glance.

One selection of pieces, done in pencil then a nude-colored medium, showed a figure. The way the artist incorporated pencil and a second medium to the drawings made the figure more prominent. The image of the figure on the toilet with his pants around his ankles was surprising, giving viewers a shock.

The students present in the gallery were helpful in directing the visitors to where the gallery started and began. Being able to exhibit the work based on a class gave the students an opportunity to remain anonymous if they wished, but still be able to have their work shown. The professionalism of a gallery is a step up in the right direction, as compared to the blandness of art building presentations. Now, students, staff and visitors to the university can take in students’ work, further reminding them of the talent Brandeis students possess. The strong pieces coming from these beginner and intermediate classes gives a strong promise of the art that we can expect as these students gain skill and hopefully go on to take more classes.