Eastern Students Meets India at Provenance Center in New London
Willimantic, Conn: — DeAndrea Knox, Braden Herrick and Lauren Hopper, three Eastern Connecticut State University students majoring in Visual Arts Department, have worked with Neeta Omprakash, Eastern’s resident Nehru-Fulbright scholar-in-Residence from India, to interpret the 1892 Indian play, “Chitraganda,” an ancient East Asian story with contemporary western imagery.
A group of young artists from Goa, India, have created visual interpretations of the same story. The art from India and the work of the three Eastern students will come together in the exhibition, “Chitraganda: Connecting the Polarities,” taking place at the Provenance Center in New London from May 4–May 28. The Provenance Center is located at 165 State St. in New London. A reception takes place from 6-8 p.m. on May 4.
The play’s concept focuses on a woman who wrestles with being torn in two, trying to appease both her masculine warrior side with feminine side. “Through the art, visitors can see the commonality of themes and concerns that cut across the globe,” said Gail Gelburd, professor and chair of Eastern’s Visual Arts Department.
During the spring 2013 semester, students in Visual Arts Professor Nancy Wynn’s class, Art 334: Exhibition, Documentation and Publicity Design, worked to design and produce the visual identities for “Chitraganda.” Wynn’s design students studied the play, its meaning and viewed artwork produced by the Indian students using the play as inspiration. They conceptualized and designed a visual identity, and orally presented to a committee, led by Omprakash, who serves as curator for the exhibition; Gelburd, who serves as advisor and mentor for the Eastern students; Leigh Balducci, associate design and publications officer in the Office of University Relations; and Roxanne Deojay, collections manager for the Akus Gallery.
The committee was thorough in its critique, providing constructive criticism, as well as much praise. Gelburd observed, “Under Professor Wynn’s guidance, I was pleasantly surprised by the level of research and thought that went into each work. The students took the constructive criticism like professionals and incorporated it into their work. They have developed the skills needed to work with clients.”
After the presentation, a final design was chosen and all collateral was designed and produced by Kaleigh Kurpiewski and Elliott Woolworth—the two students whose design was chosen. They completed the postcard, poster, symposium brochure and exhibition catalogue.
For more information on the Provenance Center in New London, CT, visit provenancecenter.com.
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Image of the collaborative work by the three Eastern students
Eastern Connecticut State University is the state’s public liberal arts university and serves approximately 5,400 students each year on its Willimantic campus and satellite locations. It is the policy of Eastern Connecticut State University to ensure equal access to its events. If you are an individual with a disability and will need accommodations for this event, please contact the Office of University Relations at (860) 465-5735. ###
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