Blending brush strokes with historical artifacts, the paintings displayed at the new exhibition at the Ball State University Museum of Art tell as much about the artists as they do about the post-World War II world. The uniqueness of this style of art adds to what students can get out of viewing this exhibit because it was formed at such a critical time in history.
"This exhibit is more interesting than others I have seen," senior Joe Bitz said. "I've made three loops and I see something different every time."
Doors opened Thursday at the Museum of Art for "Suitcase Paintings: Small Scale Abstract Expressionism," the newest exhibit at the museum.
Thursday was the opening reception for the traveling exhibit that will be on display through Dec. 2.
Abstract Expressionism is the style of art highlighted in the exhibition where 61 original paintings are featured in the museum by both widely- and lesser-known artists.
Gaining popularity after World War II, this style of painting is considered to be revolutionary for American art, Peter Blume, director of the Ball State Museum of Art, said.
"This is the watershed in the history of art," Blume said. "It made New York the world epicenter of art; I think that we need to celebrate that."
The exhibition's opening followed the 1950s theme, accompanied by a cello and a piano playing in the background.
The opening reception of the exhibit was catered with bite-sized food, which was matched to the time. Many members of the community, ranging from babies to grandparents, attended along with students.
The twist to this exhibit is that the paintings are small, hence the name "suitcase paintings." Ironically, the paintings featured are not abstract by definition at all due to their small stature. Abstract paintings are usually large, as much as eight feet across, and usually include short, thick brush strokes, according to a press release.
Paintings featured in the exhibit incorporate collages. The collages included pieces of newspaper or pictures, which adds to the historical importance of the exhibit, according to the exhibit's Web site. The historical importance is also heightened because the exhibit features artwork created by women.
"There are some very important artists here who were not well-represented in their time because if you weren't in New York and you weren't a man, you weren't a part of the commercial and critical establishment," Blume said in a press release.
Abstract Expressionism is unique for the fact that it allows painters to express their emotions freely and paint objects not found in nature, according to a press release.
The traveling exhibit originally came from The Georgia Museum of Art and was received by Ball State for both students and the general public to enjoy. Written on the walls alongside the paintings were quotes from artists featured from this era, according to a press release.
"Abstract expressionism doesn't even have to be abstract, and wasn't ever completely so," according to a quote from April Kingsley written above paintings in the exhibit. Kingsley's art is included in the exhibit.
Students can take advantage of opportunities such as "Alliance Luncheon & Program" which takes place at noon Wednesday, and three related "Art at High Noon" programs on Sept. 18, Oct. 2 and Oct. 16.
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