By KACEY D. RICHARD

Kdr011@latech.edu

 

Wes Johnson and Chris Bartlett had their artwork displayed nationally in a prominent Los Angeles gallery in a show that ended Saturday. This fourth annual contemporary art survey is an exhibition that featured artists throughout the country.

Johnson, a sophomore communication design major, and Bartlett, a sophomore studio art and photography major,  had their work displayed in the show “Way Too Over Hung,” featuring up and coming artists.

Nick Bustamante, an assistant professor of art, said, “Most of the people that take part in this show are professors or artists that are represented by prestigious museums.”

In fact, Bustamante’s work was also included. Bustamante said he was proud that the students were in a show of this magnitude.

”When this art show started, it only had about 25 artists and has grown to about 85 artists,” he said.

Bustamante received notification of the openings in the art show and suggested Johnson and Bartlett enter.

“I gave them some complex ideas and they just ran with it,” Bustamante said.

Johnson participated in Tech’s student show last year where he won first place in the core category for a drawing. This is the first show Johnson and Bartlett have participated in on such high level.

“[Bustamante] really put himself out on a limb for us and Chris and I really appreciate it,” Johnson said. 

Bustamante said the gallery owner was skeptical considering the West Coast art scene is more progressive in terms of contemporary art.

However, Johnson’s artwork is not simply oil on canvas.

“I use a lot of raw material, mostly cardboard and wooden pallets,” Johnson said. 

Inspiration for Johnson’s artwork comes from growing up in a military family, where he was forced to move many times during his childhood. 

“I use a lot of containers to symbolize packing and unpacking when you move, I also like to tear away at the cardboard,” Johnson said.

Johnson referred to one of the pieces in the art show as an interpretation of the emotions he experienced when visiting the site of an old home being torn down.

Bartlett’s artwork also focuses on a very personal emotion, the struggles of marriage.

“It is good for me to be able to express specific emotions through my art,” Bartlett said.

Materials Bartlett incorporates into his work include manipulated photos and cutting stencils out of vinyl to paint over.

Bartlett has some advice for current art students.

“Push yourself,” Bartlett said. “If you can get one piece of work done, push yourself to see what you are capable of.”