warning Hi, we've moved to USCANNENBERGMEDIA.COM. Visit us there!

Neon Tommy - Annenberg digital news

'Drawn To Language' Exhibits At USC Fisher Museum Of Art

Vidhi Todi |
September 26, 2013 | 10:57 a.m. PDT

Staff Reporter

"Drawn to Language" is currently on display in Los Angeles' oldest art museum, USC Fisher Museum of Art. This exhibition is a collaborative effort of five artists: Susan Silton, Alexandra Grant, Holly Downing with poet David St. John, Kate Ingold, and Demian Flores. It also features alliance with singer Lila Downs, and a number of Mexican contemporary artists. Each work is a witness to the artists' devoted engagement in conceptualizing the relationship between visual art and language.

Century of the Self, Alexandra Grant, 2013, gallery installation (Brian Forrest)
Century of the Self, Alexandra Grant, 2013, gallery installation (Brian Forrest)
A myriad of installations, paintings, photographs, mixed media, and other mediums are on display. It is truly fascinating to view each artist personal interpretation of the theme which depicts the interplay of language and art. The works on display are so visually appealing yet very thought provoking. My personal favorite is Alexandra Grant's set of panels (above), "Self (I was born to love not hate.)" Her use of vibrant colors, symmetry and striking words drew me in so deeply. 

Each artist is equally powerful. Drawing from an artist's statement on display, "Kate Ingold..uses her visual language of image and text to comment on the alliance of religion and politics; she also delves into the use of the language of war ands it impacts on our ecosystems." 

In everything there is a trace, Susan Silton, 2013, gallery installation (Brian Forrest)
In everything there is a trace, Susan Silton, 2013, gallery installation (Brian Forrest)
A unique quality of this exhibition is that it is not just limited to being a display. The exhibit has lined up several perfomance and participatory events which aim to exalt the viewer's understanding of the theme.

For instance, artist Susan Silton, is inviting people to help bring her installation to life. Participants join in on a collective typing of the novel "Grapes of Wrath". The unique aspect of this work is that the ribbons of all the type writers have been stripped of ink. I'm scheduled to experience embossing blank words on paper this weekend. If you're fingers are itching to type, you can sign up here. Trust me, your participation in interactive art will never leave you with just an ordinary experience.

October 7th brings one of the most highlighted events of this exhibit, Drawn to Language: Music of the Walls. This will see highly acclaimed pianist, Victoria Kirsch, give a vocal and instrumental performance, drawing inspiration from the exhibits. It's just amazing how artistic inspiration can generate and resonate so much creativity. Be sure to look up this event and others here.

"Drawn to Language" is on display till December 7th. Mark your schedule, this is an exhibit you do not want to miss!

Reach Staff Reporter Vidhi here.



 

Buzz

Craig Gillespie directed this true story about "the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Watch USC Annenberg Media's live State of the Union recap and analysis here.