Art that speaks volumes: Oakland University senior thesis exhibit

If some of these images make you uncomfortable -- that's the point.

Art should push our personal boundaries and make us think.

These images are part of Speaking: Oakland University Senior Thesis in Studio Art Exhibition I going on through Dec. 19 at the OU Art Gallery in Wilson Hall on the university's campus.

The exhibition is aptly named, so I'll let the images and artists speak for themselves.

Artist Bianca Henderson
in her own words:

"Throughout history the African American culture has undergone torment and humiliation through inhumane measures. In retrospect, a culture that was once unified is now divided. As a discerning figure within the African American culture I aim to strengthen and reform its current existence in society. Using nursery rhymes and historical references by means of photography I want to educate and declare a transformation. In order to give homage to our past ... we must make reparations and thrive for our highest potential culturally as a whole."



Artist Lacy Skidmore in her own words:

"Many people think of race and ethnicity as merely black and white without considering the gray areas. As a woman of mixed race, I'm smack dab in the middle of the gray area, consistently fighting to be both white enough and Hispanic enough to be acknowledged as so by society. My work explores this area where race and ethnicity aren't always what they appear to be and our standard definitions of such do not apply."




Artist Danielle Tisdale in her own words:

"The human body can be used as an identifier. In a physical aspect, all humans have different skin tones, shapes and scars that make us unique. By turning focus upon the inside of the human body, it is apparent we are all created in the same form. The inner workings of our bodies are an amazing machine. The human body can tell us what is wrong and how it feels, each layer working together."


Unfortunately, my photo does not do this next image justice. -- cwr














Artist Sarah Whitson in her own words:

"Looking at a person, one only sees an outer shell. No one really knows what emotions and struggles they contend with. I am interested in the identity of a person, finding out what lies underneath the surface of the physical. One's outer body can portray a perfect picture when the inner self may not be stable."