24 September 2019
Caitlyn Dieckmann
Enter the world of art from the perspective of the artist Vadis Turner in her series of sculptures entitled “Megaliths,” inspired by the Neolithic, presented by UCCS Gallery of Contemporary Art (GOCA) in their newest exhibit at the Ent Center for the Arts.
“Megaliths” is composed of four sculptures created entirely of braided bedsheets and their own mixtures of adhesives, dyes and other materials: “Cumulus Megalith,” “Ghost Megalith,” “Undressed Stones Somewhere Between Unraveling and Revelation” and “Red Gate.”
Daisy McGowan, director and chief curator for GOCA, wrote in a statement, “Through this body of work, Turner seeks to upend assumptions of masculine versus feminine materials by melding domestic materials like bedsheets with what the artist refers to as ‘macho’ forms and shapes.”
Turner explores the “in-between” through her work, not just with her sculptures’ physical placement between the walls and the floor, but between her methods of art (sculpture and painting), the message (life and death), the colors (contrast between light and dark colors) and impressions left on her art (disgust and indulgence).
The artistry of the work remains one of a kind because of the materials used. This includes, but is not limited to ribbon, bedding, clothing, sanitary products and even her own breastmilk.
The atmosphere of the Marie Walsh Sharpe Gallery is completely reshaped by the Neolithic era inspired placings of the pieces forming a circular formation in the square room. The art is given plenty of room to breathe with the open concept. One might even find their own thoughts of the sculptures echoing in the gallery.
“Megaliths” is remarkable and thought-provoking. Anyone who walks into the gallery is instantly drawn into the diverse sculptures, each one more beautiful than the last. The contrast between the pieces is by far the most noticeable aspect of the artwork. Particularly, the “Ghost Megalith,” which is completely drained of color, can be seen directly across from the “Red Gate,” which is vibrantly red in contrast.
According to the curator’s statement, Turner is a Nashville-born artist whose work can be found in permanent collections in the Brooklyn Museum of Art, Tennessee State Museum, Kentucky Arts and Crafts Museum, among several others. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts from Boston University.
UCCS’ website, uccspresents.org, explains GOCA’s mission, which is to start a conversation about contemporary art. They host a variety of art exhibitions, public programs and special events at the Ent Center for the Arts.
“Megaliths” art exhibition is open to the public, free of charge until Dec. 8. GOCA’s next exhibition runs Sept. 20-Oct. 20 and will feature artist Carley Zarzeka’s series, “Wear Closed Toe Shoes and Throw Rocks to the Side.