'Artistic Psychologies’ Closing Reception Brings in Community

Paige Passantino

Thursday, September 26, the CCBC Essex Gallery hosted a closing reception from 6-8 pm for their “Artistic Psychologies” exhibit. The exhibit ran from July 15 - September 27, and was curated by two CCBC student interns, Nadia Lezcano and Caroline Pence.

The exhibit description reads: “What is art? It is an age old question that has its roots in purpose, but what is purpose? Line, color, hue, and observation combine to produce a unique perspective of the world around us.”

The full list of artists included Jose Alvarado, Sondra Arkin, Call Your Mom, Nicole Lenzi and Natalie Obermaier.

The reception hosted an assortment of guests, ranging from the artists themselves to local Cub Scouts Pack 350, who came from Middle River, Maryland to earn their merit badge for art appreciation.

Jose Alvarado was one of the artists present Thursday night. Alvarado, who has a BFA in Studio Arts from Wichita State University in Kansas and has also completed a degree at MICA, was available to talk to guests about his process and the psychological aspects of art and art interpretation. “You could interpret [the art] in any way, which is the true joy and fun for me,” he explained to a group of students.

Alvarado also spoke of his inspiration for the pieces on display and how they came from a variety of influences and images, such as “wind brushing against water” in Central Park.

Also available for questions and discussion was student curator Nadia Lezcano. Lezcano elaborated on the experience her and fellow curator Caroline Pence shared, which included extensive research and planning.

“We had to make sure there was a good mix of mediums, also ensuring we had a range in genre, from representational to abstract,” she stated. She also went into further detail on tasks such as reading artist statements and making certain the work was relevant to the theme.

Lezcano recently transferred to MICA, where she studies ceramics, and expressed her gratitude towards the internship opportunity the Gallery provided during her time at CCBC.

The art prompted various interpretations and discussions amongst student viewers. Video performance piece “Bed” by Call Your Mom prompted one group of students to discuss intimacy and relationships, while Alvarado’s piece “Bridging the Gap” initiated a debate about representational imagery.

Psychology major Dustin Hinz, visiting the exhibit with the Philosophy Club, described the intertwining of the artist’s perspective and the viewer’s perspective, stating it,“creates a catharsis for both the artists and the observers.” He also went on to say the exhibit was “an amazing experience. I felt great joy being a part of such an authentic endeavor with my good friends.”

For information on future exhibits at the CCBC Gallery, visit their Facebook event page.

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