Lights on a high ceiling cast a warm glow on a crowded gallery. With little room to meander, patrons and admirers of the arts line up to wait for their turn to view a myriad of pieces on display. An abundance of hushed tones fill the room as students and visitors engage in spirited and curious conversation. Some students remain by their work, while others flit about, offering support to their fellow students and greeting familiar faces.
It was Wednesday, March 25, when the Appleton Gallery at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts hosted a showcase of student art and drew a crowd that funneled in and out throughout the early evening event.
On display was an array of both digital and traditional mediums in a multitude of styles, from pencil portraits of pop stars to a Poe-inspired comic book. Circling the room, it became clear Shawnee State plays host to a number of artists dedicated to their craft.
Amongst those dedicated artists is Katerina Muscavitch, a Shawnee State University senior focusing on illustrative concept art, a style which often depicts narrative and atmospheric elements in order to tell a story or portray a scene.
Her piece in the show, titled “Carousel of the Eye,” was created using a digital medium and the product of a seven-week process from beginning to end.
It all starts with an idea, much like the ethereal carousel Muscavitch based on her dreams. Once the idea comes to mind, Muscavitch creates her own reference photos by “photomashing,” the technique of blending multiple photos or drawings together in order to create the reference needed. For this piece, Muscavitch used a photo of King’s Island’s carousel for reference.
Once she has her references in order, she begins to sketch over them until a finished piece emerges from her work.
Muscavitch found her passion for art as a young child. She began with an interest in architectural design, then, when she discovered a love of horror, her style evolved. Now, her pieces evoke “dreamcore,” a style combining feelings of familiarity and nostalgia with uneasiness and paranoia, much like her brightly colored carousel embraced by an eerie fog.
As Muscavitch gears up to graduate, she plans to attend illustrative concept art conventions in order to network within her field.
Another senior student, J, remained near their own work, entitled “Vici,” and said it “directly refers to the Epstein files and the glorification of politicians.”
“Vici,” dark in both mood and color, masks hidden subjects that are unveiled only under direct light. Obscured by somber mystery, much of its detail compels its audience to step closer for a second look. Some of the detail that springs to life then include a reference to the ‘What Were You Wearing?’ survivor art gallery that originated at the University of Arkansas in 2013. That reference lies in various articles of clothing, ranging from adult to infant sizes and styles, hidden throughout the painting.
J continued to point out another reference to “the golden idol story in Christianity.” That story in question tells of the Israelites, who created and worshipped a golden calf reminiscent of Egyptian idols while Moses was absent, and serves as a warning against idolatry.
J said they hope their piece invokes reflection and awareness about the idolization of politicians in its viewers.
Soon, a buzz fell over the room and visitors no longer drifted to and fro but rather poured into the gallery like a school of fish moving all at once. The doors were blocked off by the gathering crowd, with some onlookers left with no choice but to linger in the halls. It became evident the award ceremony was about to commence.
Savannah Fout was presented with the Tom Stead Best in Show award. McKenna Roades placed first, Dylan Wilson placed second, and Gracie Doll placed third.
The winners lined up for pictures while the swarm of art enthusiasts steadily began to thin out. Visitors made last-minute rounds up until the evening came to a close, marking another successful and inspiring student art show for Shawnee State.
