Multiple Propositions draws outside the lines

Some may see drawing as a preliminary step in the world of fine arts. But for many, the simplicity of a line drawing, or the complexity of a multi-layered work is the heady stuff of sheer heaven.

Multiple Propositions, a drawing exhibition featuring nine artists, will fill the Robert B. Berkshire, Eleanor Prest Reese and Dorit and Gerald Paul Galleries at Herron School of Art and Design from August 12 – September 15.

Gallery Director Paula Katz views drawings as an important facet in the jewel of contemporary fine art. “I previously worked for an institution which defined a drawing as a ‘unique work on paper,’” she said, “and I always laughed at this very limited idea of what a drawing could be. Does it have to be on paper? What defines unique?”

Of this newest exhibition, Katz goes on to say “Each of these artists work very differently. Some use traditional media such as charcoal on paper, but push their subject matter to embrace a contemporary aesthetic. Others use very non-traditional media, creating 3-D drawings and working on industrially made materials.”

Four of the artists come from Chicago. Michael Dinges infuses traditional scrimshaw onto products of the 20th and 21st centuries. Katz says “I also like the nod his work gives to body art.” John Himmelfarb has invented an expressive language with the shapes he includes in his calligraphic drawings. His recent work includes a series of hundreds of drawings on old library catalogue cards. Playful, grotesque and beautiful all at once, Paul Nudd’s work pushes the Chicago imagists into the 21st Century. Judith Brotman, most known for her large installations that include threads running through paper, will be exhibiting a new body of smaller works.

Joining the Chicago four will be Purdue University Professor Christine Wuenschel, who captures her rather heavy body from unique angles, showing the imperfections in a beautiful and poignant way. Dragana Crnjak of Youngstown, OH was suggested by Herron Assistant Professor Danielle Riede. Crnjak is known for her temporary, site-specific work. Lafayette’s Jillian Ludwig’s work features adorable animals. Upon closer inspection, the bizarreness of the scenes registers.

Katz states, “I have waited three years to show Martin Brief’s work.” Brief, who hails from St. Louis, meticulously pulls words into a new context. From a distance his works appear rather formal, but upon closer inspection the tiny writing registers. The ninth artist in this show is Sara Schneckloth from Columbia, S.C. Her work was featured in Katz’s Columbus Biennial, Columbus, Georgia in 2006. Recently she has moved to 3-D interactive drawing in addition to her 2-D renderings. Both bodies of work will be in this show.