Culture
Athens Artists Make A Connection
By: Bryan Gibson
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This is not a juried show in the classical way; the public will be our juror.” – Simona Aizicovici
Simona Aizicovici, along with six other Athens area artists, is displaying her work in Connections, an art exhibit that includes fiber pieces, photography, ceramics, pressed flowers, paintings, paper collage and glass.
The exhibit, which is currently on display at the OU Multicultural Center Art Gallery in Baker University Center, represents the connection of the artists' cultures (American, Romanian and Russian) and a desire to connect with the Athens community through art.
"I came to Athens from Romania over 20 years ago," said Aizicovici. "My rebirth began in this place that became my hometown. I was captivated by the natural beauty found in nature and the people. I found help when life brought obstacles, I found joy when there was pain, I found laughter among sadness, I found all this in its people — my connections — who became my new friends."
This year, Aizicovici had the opportunity to curate an exhibit at Ohio University, and the chance to showcase those connections.
"I wanted to share the exhibit with some of my artist friends. I wanted to share the connections between us, the connections between what we love to create — sometimes using the same medium, but making it our own — with those who view our art."
Photographer Kari Gunter-Seymour is displaying her series entitled Barbie Falls on Hard Times.
"I grew up in the '60s when Barbie dolls were introduced to America and I HAD to have one," said Gunter-Seymour. "I was a chubby kid and did not realize how much pressure that perfect Barbie body was putting on me and society as a whole. Like many American women, I've spent a good deal of my life striving for the perfect body. A few months ago, I decided that I should come to terms with my 'Barbie body phobia' and do a photo essay on how Barbie would look if she truly had to deal with some of the issues that women face every day."
The exhibit's other artists include Olga Molchanova, Lynda Berman, Amanda Buchanan, Lanna Galloway and Kelly Lawrence.
The exhibit runs Sept. 6 through Nov. 17, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Multicultural Center Art Gallery on the second floor of Baker University Center. A "Meet the Artists Reception" will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23.
For more information, contact Winsome Chunnu Brayda at 740-597-2111.