By Joshua Robison / The Jambar
The John J. McDonough Museum of Art opened its fall season Sept. 2 with new exhibits featuring the contemporary artwork of four artists.
The exhibits will be on display until Oct. 28, showcasing Arron Foster’s “In_A_Sense,” Ainslinn Janek’s “Landscape as a Form of Knowledge,” Michael Boyd Roman’s “Negus weighting on a Miracle” and Justin Sorensen’s “June 13th” collections.
Foster received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking and Art Education from East Carolina University, then went on to receive his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Georgia.
Foster is an assistant professor of art at Kent State University at Stark, with his work displayed in national and international galleries, museums and art centers.
In his artist statement, Foster stated he applies an educational approach when creating his pieces.
“Each project or series I undertake involves an intuitive, research-based approach to observing, studying and documenting specific locations,” Foster stated.
In another portion of the exhibit, Janek, a New York City-based artist, contributed her “Landscape as a Form of Knowledge” collection.
Janek is a Youngstown State University alumna with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and minors in Fine Art and Psychology. Most of her work consists of acrylic paintings and sewing techniques.
Janek stated that she had her work exhibited internationally, with her most recent exhibit at the Akira Art Room in Ayisha, Japan.
Janek also stated in her artistic statement that the collection utilized mixed media techniques to expand the way people see landscapes.
“This exhibition explores how the physical world becomes a repository of human perception and meaning,” Janek stated. “Through layered surfaces, stitched interruptions and printed residues of place, it considers landscape not as neutral ground but as a site where memory, language and history are inscribed and fragmented.”
Next, Roman’s exhibit, “Negus weighting on a Miracle,” features artwork focused on Black men depicted in a “graceful and beautiful manner.”
“[My work] portrays the ordinary grace of contemporary Black men,” Roman stated. “[The art blends] elements from hip-hop and urban culture with art history and religious iconography.”
The Atlanta-born artist came to Northeast Ohio to serve as an assistant professor of Design and Black Visual Cultures at Oberlin College and Conservatory.
Roman’s artwork in the exhibit primarily consists of charcoal drawings and sculptures composed with various objects.
Ohio-based artist Justin Sorensen’s art exhibit titled “June 13th” displays themes such as time, religion, technology and art. His work is presented in various mediums from drawings, sculptures and a digital installation.
Sorensen obtained a bachelor’s degree from Kutztown University and a master’s from Rhode Island School of Design.
In his career, Sorensen’s art had been exhibited all over — from David Krut Projects in New York City and The Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C. to exhibits in Russia and Canada.
“‘June 13th’ is an exhibition of work drawing from the format of Chinese handscroll. While the pictorial logic of the west has traditionally maintained a fixed perspective, the handscroll subverts this tendency,” Sorensen stated.
The exhibits are open for viewing from 11 a.m-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and are free to the public.
