The University Galleries of Illinois State University is an experience where artists from the Midwest are allowed space to display their contemporary art as a premier artist. One of the University Galleries goals is to help students, staff, and the Bloomington-Normal community come together and understand the role of contemporary art in society at Illinois State University, to see upcoming up-and-coming artists.
The current exhibit that can be seen in the University Gallery is the 2022 Student Annual Showcase, which is an exhibit that allows many students at ISU the chance to showcase their contemporary art with the opportunity to have their work reviewed by professional artists outside the university staff.
The Wonsook Kim School of Art presents the Marshall Dulaney Pitcher Award during the 2022 Student Annual Showcase, which aims to honor outstanding students who show their artistic talent in the visual arts, dedicated studio practice, and academic excellence. This year’s recipient of the award was given to Japheth Asiedu-Kwarteng.
“It was a great feeling,” said Japheth Asiedu-Kwarteng in response to receiving the award. “I look back and feel it’s harvest time for the fruits of my hard work and consistency over the past years.”
Artworks are a reflection of their cumulative experiences throughout their lives. In these works artists dig deep to find inspiration from their friends, families, and loved ones.
“My work means everything to me,” said Asiedu-Kwarteng. “In it, I see my family, I feel our pain of absence from each other, I see our sacrifices. In my work, I see the daily struggles of a displaced non-immigrant father and husband. In my work, I see hope.”
Achieving an award of this caliber comes from years of dedication towards honing an artist’s craft, but for many inexperienced artists finding exposure for their works can be difficult.
“My answer for that someone is simple: hard work and consistency,” said Asiedu-Kwarteng.
The 2022 Student Annual Showcase will be on display at the University Gallery until May 8th.