The Observer, September 23, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 4
Faculty passions on display at CIA
In case you didn't know, the Cleveland Institute of Art is still alive and kicking! The 2005 CIA Faculty Exhibition is a source of pride for the institute. It is the object of fascination for many of art students, especially the unbroken freshmen. The esteemed art professors represent everything these young artists aspire to become.
Most if not all of these professors have proven their mettle in and outside of class; proof of the latter is currently on display at CIA's Reinberger Galleries, in the form of CIA Faculty Exhibition.
Upon entering the Reinberger Galleries, there is much for the casual viewer to peruse. Sculptures and installations abound, consisting of materials as random as "Field Screen's" planks of wood, stacked chairs, and wooden boxes. Petra Soesemann's piece combines drapery and a sense of sculpture that you can walk through.
Combing through the next room of artwork you'll find paintings, prints, toothbrushes, and even a video room where you can view the works of Kasumi Minken, such as her arresting "Do Not Vapor Blast." The eagle-eyed will spy a satiric piece on the state of our public school system (A poor kid in a dunce cap.) aptly titled "The Education Is Failing." It is done by our salty John Chuldenko, an old hand in the illustration department. The execution of its colored pencil is impeccable, not one speck of the original paper is seen underneath a sea of waxy color! Like many illustrations: the concept is clear and direct with very little ambiguity. It could be faulted that the execution takes precedence over the idea, making for a contrived if glib piece. Still, what this illustration does, it does it well.
Moving from the work of a veteran to that of a newcomer, we have Troy Richards's large graphite drawing "New Ribon." A cheeky piece in these bluenosed times, it is at face value a bird's eye view of a residential scene occupied by its peasantry are naked, obese, and in the throes of passion! Just what is the nature of this drawing? "It's dystopia" according Professor Richards.
Indeed…but clearly the "drawing card" of this exhibition is the work of Dominic Scibilia, another pillar in the Illustration department. His graphic, elaborately detailed lithographs such as "Past Regrets, Future Fears" manage to put the entire Printmaking department here to (courtesy of Scibilia's 30-plus years in the business)..
The prices most of these artworks go for is considerable($500 to over $7000), relegating the arts to being just a luxury for the well-to-do. This is not for the everyday college student's shoestring budget. Still, if you're a rube in need of some cultural enlightenment, this exhibit is the place for you. The CIA Faculty Show runs until Oct. 1t; free gallery tours available each Wednesday at noon.
