Strange Art Indeed

The East Stroudsburg University (ESU) of PA is currently hosting an exhibition in their Madelon Powers Gallery which is located within the campus’ Fine and Performing Arts Building featuring the works of students, ESU Alumni, and local arts. The exhibition is titled, “Strange and Unusual” with an Artists’ Reception held on Friday July 13th. The exhibition continues until July 25th.

The date of the reception proved to be of some significance as “Friday the 13th” is often associated with strange and unusual occurrences. Some of these occurrences include those considered to be bad luck and even tragic such as paying good money to see a really bad film every month that has the 13th fall on a Friday about a guy wearing a Hockey Mask. However, this particular Friday the 13th could have been considered a lucky day for those who ventured into the gallery.

Alma Barrantes served as curator of The exhibition. Much of her work depicted individuals in which she subtly captured slight nuances in their eyes and gestures reflecting the bizarre aspects of their natures. The work of Abigail Braman explores the subconscious with images designed to disturb and enlighten those who dared to venture in. The work of Nara Strete’s cartoon like style leads those who seek to view her work with some sense of safety as if one was merely pursing an ordinary comic book until the viewer is drawn deeper into the darker world her images surveys.

Other artists featured in the exhibition includes Samantha Peterson whose sense of humor brings strangeness to the images and objects she creates. The photographic works Shane Izykowski’s depicts the most horrific aspects of dreams and fantasies one could ever have without being required by law to take medication. On the surface, the works of Abby Oxford seems to be out of synch with the theme of the exhibit as her work depicts trees which are beautifully captured on canvas and other surfaces. However, the fact her work is surrounded by the strange and unusual depictions created by her fellow artists, thus makes her entries in the show strange and unusual in and of themselves. Her works begs to ask the question, “Would normality in an abnormal world be considered normal?”

The overall work was quite well done although some pieces captured my imagination better than others. There was a modest gathering of art lovers but the numbers were somewhat still impressive considering the exhibit was quickly organized and the promotional endeavors for the reception reflected this. The reception included the screening of the 1980 horror film based on the novel by Stephen King titled, “The Shining” which was directed by Stanley Kubrick starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. The film complimented the reception as it’s strange and unusual qualities demonstrated how cinema can be horrifying without making the protagonist wear a mask.

As mentioned earlier, The “Strange and Unusual” exhibition will continue to be displayed at The Madelon Powers Gallery which is located in The Fine and Performing Arts Building on the ESU Campus until July 25th. Future exhibitions will be presented by The East Stroudsburg University of PA Art Department showcasing their students’ work during the 2012 Fall Semester. Please contact The East Stroudsburg University Art Department at 570-422-3695 for more information. You’ll find more photographs taken during the Strange and Unusual Artists’ Reception in the ESU 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150661494755421.450297.636000420&type=1.