Mixed Meanings
Hidden Messages
Exhibition curated by Paul Bright
WFU Collections Curator - Heather Childress

We live in an age of self-conscious art-making, in a society where images are often read like text for literal meaning. “Meaning” is often earnestly embedded in or applied to many artworks. But beyond the intentions of the artist and the probing of critics, each viewer projects his own meaning onto works of art. When these projections are reflected back in some way, a connection can be made between the audience and the work. The artwork in this exhibition offers the possibility of personally discovering a meaning that is sometimes obscured or hidden just beneath an approachable or seemingly obvious surface.

The work exhibited in Mixed Meanings/Hidden Messages has been selected from 3 of the 9 Wake Forest University collections, including the Student Union Collection of Contemporary Art, the General Collection, and the Student Art Collection. Using recent acquisitions to the Student Union Collection as a core, the artwork is grouped thematically without regard to medium or the specific collection to which it belongs. The means and concepts of art-making cross the boundaries of geography, reputation, and time, so this approach allows interaction between the works of students, lesser known figures, and artists of national and international reputation.

The exhibition opens with a reception on October 13th at 5 pm, and is preceded by a discussion, hosted by the WFU Student Union, with exhibiting artist James Casebere at 4 pm in room 102 of Scales Fine Arts Center.