Self-Curated Exhibit
Jean Burr Smith Library
Conn. State Community College
Middlesex
Dec. 7, 2023
This painting particularly caught my eye. So I decided to feature it in an exhibition.
Initially, I was looking for a gallery in the Jean Burr Smith Library at Connecticut State Community College Middlesex. The arrows hanging from the ceiling pointed me down a corridor with stacks overflowing with books to my left and a series of swinging panels to my right. I couldn’t find the exhibit, but I did see a sign on the wall that read, “Circulating Art Collection: You may borrow an art print for 8 weeks. Select a print and bring it to the circulation desk to be charged out.”
I turned back and looked at the panels again and saw that they were covered in artwork. That’s when I had the idea: What if I made my own art show? This wasn’t going to be on display or hung up on walls; it was a chance to be the curator in my own mind, sift through the artwork and choose the pieces in this public collection that spoke to me.
As I looked through the paintings, I realized I had no criteria for selecting paintings. There was no theme or mood that I had in mind as I moved from panel to panel. I picked the paintings based on whether I liked them or not.
The first one that stood out to me was The Purple Robe by Henri Matisse. What stood out to me about this painting was the juxtaposition of the background: stripes on the left, and squiggly lines on the right. While the painting is stylized, the background is what gives it a surreal feeling. I was surprised to learn in my research that Matisse is considered one of the early masters of modern art, along with Picasso.
I remember reading Amelia Bedelia books as a child, and have even referenced her from time to time in my adult life. Lynn Sweat is the original illustrator of those children books, and several others. He also has breathtaking original work that you can find at his website.
Blackbear Bosin painted Prairie Fire in 1953. The brushstrokes that created the clouds and fire licking at the sky are what drew my attention. Drawing my eyes downward I saw the Native Americans on their horses, then the antelope, and finally the wolves skulking away. The fire is the same color as the clothing of the riders, and to me symbolized them as the cause of the fire that forced the animals to flee.
My favorite piece of the “show” was the painting pictured a the top of this story, by Philip D. Wheaton. Wheaton was the founder and first president of Middlesex Community College; he was also an author and artist. Wheaton titled this work Tree with copper sky, but my eyes were immediately drawn to the sun. The black limbs of the tree look like they’re gently caressing the sun, welcoming it with their embrace as it drifts slowly towards the horizon. Unfortunately I couldn’t find any information about the artist, but I appreciate the brief glimpse into their heart this painting provides.
It was an amazing experience to sort through artwork and choose what I would want to see hanging on the walls. As a final note, please support your local community college. These schools provide affordable access to higher education for thousands of students, yours truly included. Imagine, there’s a place where you can borrow artwork from some of the most celebrated artists of all time, for free. Even though I stopped being a student years ago, I learned so much today at Middlesex.
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The Pegasus Gallery presents “Millennial Pause” by Paul Michael through Jan. 4.
Jamil goes to another school to see Sister Act performed.
