'Identities' displayed at art show

Photography, pastels, charcoal and oil paints were just a few of the materials used in the works of art on display at the opening reception of the "Identities" exhibit last night at Pierpont Commons on North Campus.

The exhibit, co-sponsored by the campus chapter of Amnesty International and Kaleidoscope, a group composed of undergraduate history of art concentrators, is scheduled to run through Feb. 19.

Last night's reception honored the top award-winners of the first art exhibit sponsored by the campus chapter of Amnesty International.

Amnesty International co-coordinator Russ Jacobs, an LSA senior and organizer of the "Identities" exhibit, said Amnesty International was founded to fight against human rights violations across the world.

This year, Jacobs said, the group is focusing on human rights violations in the United States, which includes labeling individuals.

DHANI JONES/Daily Engineering senior Brian Hendrix looks at "Untitled," by Michael Krauthamer, during the "Identities" art exhibit last night in the Pierpont Commons on North Campus.

"The concept of identity is fundamental to human rights," Jacobs said. "As Americans, we constantly struggle with our identity."

Jacobs said when people aren't able to celebrate their culture or be recognized as individuals instead of part of a group, their individuality - and personal identity - can be threatened.

"Identities focuses on the role of an individual within society and how to define their role, and adapting labels given to them by society to have personal significance," Jacobs said.

He added that the criteria for submission was that the artist had to be a currently enrolled student - the 26 entries came from students in elementary school, Saline High School, Eastern Michigan University and University students. Students also had to relate to a series of questions: "To what extent does each individual choose his or her own individuality? How do others impose an identity on an individual? How does someone belong to a group yet maintain his or her uniqueness?"

The works of art on display reflect a variety of perceptions about identities, ranging from cultural destruction to bisexuality.

Although the art did not necessarily have to reflect the artists' personal backgrounds, the majority of submissions did, Jacobs said.

LSA senior Khadija Walker won third place for her "Union of Souls," a piece that depicts two queens - one black and one white - greeting each other.

Walker, who is biracial, said the piece was meant to show that all cultures are different but equally beautiful.

"This is the perfect way for me to express that there should be a unity in both black and white culture," she said. "I identify with both sides, and I wanted to express how beautiful both heritages and cultures are to me."

Art and Design sophomore Jodi Kerman said she was impressed by the variety of art at the exhibit.

"Each piece has its own uniqueness," Kerman said. "I like the vast array of materials manipulated."

Elizabeth Majewsk, an Art and Design sophomore, said the variety of ages of the artists and the exhibits' simplicity made it distinct from other shows she's attended.

"Art is a way of expressing yourself so the identities theme fit very well," Majewsk said.

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