Seniors present art exhibition, ‘Familiar Terrain’
Josh Foreman, he Reflector
Two Mississippi State University seniors in the art department will present their thesis exhibition at McComas Hall Gallery on April 16.
The seniors, Elizabeth Cullins and Rencher Lann, will unveil the culmination of several months of work on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The artists have already demonstrated their talent by winning best of show at the 30th and 31st annual Mississippi State University Graphic Design and Fine Arts Student Exhibitions.
Lann described the project as the most important thing in his life since January, when they began organizing it.
“It’s a constant effort. We really haven’t had a life outside of this,” Lann said.
Lann, a five-year student of Mississippi State’s art program and native Mississippian, will present several six-foot charcoal drawings. The drawings portray detailed larger-than-life figures in dramatic lighting situations.
“I’d like to present the drawings as something people don’t usually see drawings as,” Lann said. “The scale is meant to be overpowering and strike awe in people.”
Cullins, the daughter of a military family, grew up in northern Virginia and southern Mississippi. She will present over 30 miniature oil paintings that depict landscapes from the two locations.
“I think one of the best things about my paintings is that usually someone from the group can pick one out and really identify with it,” Cullins said.
In addition to painting and drawing the pieces that will be featured in the exhibition, the two have also organized and coordinated it.
Cullins named MSU professor Richard Sewell a major influence and inspiration.
“The show wouldn’t have gone up without him. He’s the first person who ever told me to be a painter,” Cullins said.
The two also named Jeffrey Haupt, their thesis professor, a major influence.
“I really owe a lot to where I am as an artist to him,” Lann said. “He played an integral part in shaping the work for both of us.”
Lann said he was also influenced by artists like KSthe Kollwitz and Hyman Bloom and classic sketches from old masters. Cullins said she was more influenced by individual works than artists themselves.
“I love all kinds of art. It’s not one artist that’s an influence,” Cullins said. “It’s any artist out there doing legitimate work.”
Both artists said they have been interested in art for as long as they can remember and that they couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
The April 16 exhibition is open to the public and will include musical entertainment from The Puerto Rican Rum Drunks. Pieces will be available for purchase with price lists at the door. For more information contact Alex Stellioes-Wills at 325-0393.