Thursday, Jan. 25, in the lobby of the Zug – Hess Art Gallery, Elizabethtown College put the work of artist James Gallagher on display for the public.
Ranging from collages of all colors to intricate ceramics, Gallagher’s work attracted followers of art and students studying its essential elements.
While supplying light refreshments, the love of art drew students of all departments and adults of a wide variety of occupations.
Even if one was not educated on art and the unique forms of expression within it, it was evident that the James Gallagher Art Exhibit reception not only enticed student life, but the local community as well.
Art often involves passion and helps alleviate artists’ emotional burdens by transforming their feelings into sentiment, fueling the creation of masterpieces.
From depression to the alignment of the planets and stars, the basis of life has given art its complex, widespread definition.
Gallagher confirmed this observation by using his subconscious as the brush on the blank canvas of his artwork.
Using diverse shapes as a bold foundation, the artist forced himself out of the comforts of formal design and expression. Due to Gallagher’s methods of sharing his vulnerability for the public’s enjoyment, he is the subject of studies of a variety of undergraduate students.
“[Successful] artwork has to sing,” Professor of Art and viewer Milt Friedley stated. “The spirit of Gallagher’s work connects with the heart of design. If you want to own it, it’s successful.”
To affirm Friedley’s declaration, one element of design present at the exhibit was verified by all viewers: texture.
Students of Friedley’s current ceramics class agreed with his proclamation in unison, establishing that Gallagher’s various forms of artwork were visually appealing to the eye while supporting the basics of art itself.
Although not all opinions of Gallagher’s work were similar, they all depicted the same deliverance of a voice of silent complexity.
Jenna Pelonero, a senior occupational therapy student enrolled in Friedley’s ceramics course, explained that what interested her the most about Gallagher’s artwork was that “his creativity gives a sense of being free”.
Katie Keefe, a senior communications major who has been enrolled in numerous design courses, stated positively in agreement that it was almost soothing to see that not all aspects of the business program were centered around finance.
With his artwork receiving positive feedback and a large turnout for his exhibit, Gallagher’s ability to sculpt emotions into art has touched the lives of many.
Because of Gallagher’s emotional influence, one could argue that the genius behind art is more important than the masterpiece itself.
Students attending James Gallagher’s art exhibit reception seemed to establish that his most successful works were not made by his hands, but rather crafted by his influence on a modern society.
