Most people rush through the Center for the Arts (CFA) building — quickly running to class or using it as an escape from the cold like I do. Away from all of the noise and the traffic of students, there is a gallery on the left hand side, right when you enter through the main doors. If you have the free time in your busy student life or maybe a gap in your schedule, I recommend visiting and walking straight to the back of the exhibit where the best piece is displayed.
This specific piece took up the entire back side of CFA, painted by American artist Joan Mitchelle. The piece is constructed of three huge abstract canvases that stretch across the walls like a horizon line. From close up, most of the work may just look like squares, but once you step back to see the whole picture, your mind starts to make a story.
The first thing I thought about was how I made abstract work in high school, seeing all of the similarities that I used to do. As you are standing in front of this piece, it can feel like many emotionsBut what I felt the most was calm and chaotic. Calming and chaotic may sound silly together, but it looks chaotic at first when you just see the squares and thick layers of paint. Once you step back, it suddenly gets calm. Because it's an abstract piece, it can make your mind see things — like the colors shifting together or how they transition when they touch.
What makes this piece so unique to me is how refreshing it felt once I looked at the entire structure. UB is so chaotic, especially during this time of the year, with everyone running around and stressed out before finals, thinking of what to do next, but stopping and seeing this work makes you feel like slowing down and taking a look at the bigger picture.
If you find yourself with an hour to spare or even just a few minutes, go look at this breathtaking piece of art from Mitchelle. You don't need to know anything about the artist of the story behind it to understand it, you just need to stand there long enough to make it your own story.
The arts desk can be reached at arts@ubspectrum.com
