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Two Solo Exhibitors Bring Contemporary Works to the Prichard Art Gallery
Oct. 31, 2008
Written by Christina Wheaton
MOSCOW, Idaho – A University of Idaho art professor and a Seattle-based photographer will present two very different exhibitions of contemporary art in at the Prichard Art Gallery beginning Nov. 14.
Sally Graves Machlis, associate professor of Art and Design, will present contemporary brush paintings inspired by her sabbatical in Taiwan in an exhibit called, “The Chiayi Series.” Margot Quan Knight, a photographer from Seattle, will present a series of fantastic photographs and video works in an exhibit called, “Continuum.”
Roger Rowley, Prichard Art Gallery director, said the similarities between the two exhibitions may not be obvious, but they are seen in the artists’ exploration of contemporary trends in art.
“Although their work may look very different, there is a similarity in how they engage in dialogs of contemporary art,” said Rowley.
Inspired by her semester sabbatical last fall at National Chiayi University in Taiwan, Machlis created a series of abstract brush paintings for the exhibit. Traditionally, Chinese brush painters follow strict centuries-old techniques. After attending Chinese calligraphy and ink painting classes, Machlis decided to incorporate her own techniques to the ancient Asian art.
“Chinese brush painting is extremely traditional,” said Machlis. “Everything from how you hold the brush to painting a cherry blossom requires the use of defined techniques.”
The black-ink brush strokes, which meander across sheets of white paper, certainly cross the traditional lines of ancient Chinese painting. Machlis, who typically creates mixed media paintings and collages, said the Asian-influenced paintings are completely different from her previous work.
“When an artist is in a new culture everything is fresh; you perceive things differently,” said Machlis.
The abstract paintings are joined by smaller paintings that show images of the common seafood, plants and patterns of the Taiwanese culture. Machlis compiled her paintings in accordion-style books to display her sabbatical work and experiences in the format of journal.
“These books are like a metaphor of my experiences and memories of my time in Taiwan,” said Machlis.
The images displayed in Quan Knight’s exhibit, “Continuum” strive to capture concepts of time, motion and reflection in our daily lives. The exhibit includes her work from 2005-08, including the “Procreation” series (2005), funded by a grant from Artist Trust; the “Intervals” series (2008), funded by 4Culture and the Seattle Mayor’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs; and recent works including “Reflection” (2008), funded by The Medium’s 2007 Fund.
Quan Knight said “Procreation” features photographs that communicate the story of Christ’s birth in the context of modern embryonic research. She said each photograph is based on Renaissance and medieval paintings including “Mother of God Elusa Icon,” “The Annunciation” by Fra Angelico and Giorgione’s “Adoration of the Shepherds.” The photos include images of a baby Jesus as a tiny embryo growing in a lab, Mary dressed in a lab coat, and the shepherds portrayed as nurses and doctors.
“These photos share a different way of seeing the past in present social issues,” said Quan Knight.
In the “Intervals” series, Quan Knight manipulates digital photos of two moments in time that normally aren’t captured simultaneously in reality. The image of a woman watching her glass of milk spill on the floor is one example of this work.
“It’s as if time stopped in these photos so two moments in time could be put together,” said Quan Knight.
She said the combination of her works in this exhibit share her thoughts and experiences of different aspects of our daily lives, including time, motion and reflection. “We all experience moments that seem to last hours and hours that fly by in what feels like minutes,” said Quan Knight. “I want to examine our experiences in by creating visual images.”
Rowley said the two artists provide an interesting counterpoint in this joint exhibition.
“Sally questions our position relative to global forces at work, and Margot questions the very position where we stand,” said Rowley.
The “Chiayi Series” and “Continuum” will run through Dec. 31. An opening reception will take place from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, at the Prichard Art Gallery. Quan Knight will give a guest artist lecture at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 13, in the university's Teaching and Learning Center, Room 040.
The Prichard Art Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Gallery is closed Monday. The gallery, an outreach facility of the University of Idaho, is located at 414/416 S. Main St. on the corner of Fifth and Main streets in downtown Moscow. Admission is free. Additional information is available at www.uidaho.edu/galleries.
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About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Offering more than 150 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu
Photos are available at www.today.uidaho.edu/PhotoList.aspx
Media Contact: Roger Rowley, Prichard Art Gallery Director, (208) 885-3586, rrowley@uidaho.edu
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