Essay 2- Art Show "Exhibiting Originality"- Nick Neveu

Art is the expression of feelings and emotions portrayed in an array of different methods. One’s art can be a masterpiece covering the ceiling of a cathedral like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel or, in the case at the Alabama University Art Exhibit, a stack of shredded newspaper bailed together in the center of the display. The originality in both these pieces flourishes as well as the rest of the works in the Art Exhibit in Woods Hall. This show was put together by fellow university members and is a must see when visiting campus. The two pieces that grasped my attention at first sight were Brandon McCullar’s Rope-a-Dope and Anden Oden’s beautiful guitar like lute.

The first piece I came across when entering the art show was Brandon McCullar’s Rope-a-Dope and at that very moment I was transfixed. He used a pen, ink, and ink wash to portray an extravagant American Icon. In the middle stands none other than Muhammad Ali who is flashing his famous pose after knocking out Sonny Liston. This fight was one of the most controversial fights in history. During the two fighter’s first bout, Ali won the heavyweight championship belt due to a hurt shoulder that Liston could not continue from. During the second fight, Ali knocked him out in the first round with what is now called “the phantom punch.” No one at ringside saw the punch but as Liston was passed out on the canvas, Ali screamed at him to get up which is where the famous photograph was taken. The only difference with the poster that sold millions and Rope-a-Dope was that Sonny Liston was not there at all! In his place lays a giant mechanical gorilla brilliantly broken and completely lifelike. The exuberant detail spent on the ferocious machine is sure to catch anyone’s eye. The gorilla is in shambles with smoke fuming about and oil spilling from where his head used to be. The facial expression screams murder as his jaw seems dislodged and his mechanical skull crushed. Looking further at the drawing the next thing I noticed was the crowd. Every single member had their very own facial expression topped with different clothes and actions. This attention to detail is what made it a fantastic feat. Ali himself is shaded to perfection with all of his muscles ripping and pride shining. Although it is only in black and white, it feels like I’m watching a summer blockbuster that’s blasting with color. This piece represents the conquering of one’s self over even what looks to be the impossible. The mechanical gorilla easily looks to have the upper hand but still Ali is standing over his blistered body begging him to get up.

The next exhibit I visited was Anden Oden’s own rendition of a 16th century lute. A lute is a plucking instrument with a round, deep back and a pegboard head bent backwards nearly 90 degrees. Oden got his inspiration from the 16th century works of Hans Frei of Bologna. The lute has a spruce neck and maple body and also features a beautiful design where the sound flows into the core to vibrate the body and produce a utopias melody. The finish on the lute makes it shimmer and reflect perfection while the thirteen strings and seven frets show classic origins. When examining the piece it is easy to see that it is professionally made by someone with years of experience in the art of instrument making. After researching Anden Oden, it became clear he was far from a rookie at this classic art. Oden is most famous for his harps and guitar variations which he sales to music lovers around the world. Since I play guitar almost every day, it took everything in me not to grab the spruce neck and start strumming the mysterious instrument in the middle of the exhibit. This piece reminds me of a renaissance band playing in the court of the king. I can see them dressed in tights with exuberant hats plucking the lute while everyone dances methodically to the beat.

These two pieces at the University of Alabama Art exhibit stole the show. The pieces both have classic origins but reflect them in different ways. The two American icons of the guitar and the famous Muhammad Ali show pride and tradition to our citizens. Both works take a very well-known image and mold something completely original yet still classical in our hearts. McCullar and Oden paid extreme attention to detail as well as long hours creating their exhibits. McCullar, however, took a more modern approach to his piece. When adding the huge mechanized gorilla, he brought with the piece a science fiction twist straight out of the year 3000! Oden stayed with his classic outlook by just tweaking his lute enough to make an original piece.

In conclusion, the art show at Woods Hall was a wonderful treat for anyone who attended. I would encourage everyone to show your support for UA students and see what these brilliant artists have to show. I know for me, being an always busy college student, it was amazing to take time and think critically about the different exhibits. This art show has originality and many extremely different methods of art all in one room. There are painting, sculptures, photographs, movies, and even dancers! If that does not excite you enough, there is also food for the starving college students. Having gone twice already, I give this all inclusive art show nine stars out of ten!