Gallery Visit Responses

interspace

Robert L. Ringel Gallery, Purdue University
August 29 - October 8, 2016

This exhibit was unlike anything I've seen, which I believe was the response desired from curators Shannon McMullen and Fabian Winkler. I thoroughly enjoyed being encouraged to participate and experience the exhibit in a hands-on way that is quite rare. The transition from the beginning to the end felt smooth and natural: exploring the first uses of 3-dimensions with the stereoscope to becoming immersed in virtual reality. Overall, the exhibit felt like it was put together in a very smart way. 

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Under Our Skin

Hector Canonge & Verónica Peña

The Rueff Galleries, Purdue University

October 12, 2016

I've witnessed very few performance art pieces. This was, by far, one of my favorite experiences. I immediately felt privileged because I was not only witnessing the performance, but I was also a part of the performance. I felt vulnerable. I think everyone watching felt vulnerable, too. I remember most the smell of tomatoes and eucalyptus. I remember most the intense eye contact, feeling voyeuristic. I remember the sounds of the squishing tomatoes and the crinkling of plastic. The two characters were making love and fighting violently, simultaneously. Does all performance art center so heavily around the 5 senses? Every sense of mine was actively engaged, besides Touch. To me, Under Our Skin forced me to become hyperaware of all of my senses. There have been very few scenarios where I've felt so present and breathing.