Mattie Wesoloski’s oil paintings in the art exhibition Unleashed respond to the growing correlation between cultural disruptions, like the current global pandemic, and increased numbers in dog adoptions by exposing viewers to the peculiar world of pets. Through intricate dog portraits and vibrant paintings of toy balls, she poses questions regarding pet culture, the multifaceted roles of dogs, sentimentality in art and psychological connections between dogs and their owners.  Her works position viewers between the cute and grotesque, equally attracting and repelling viewers through enticing color, expressive subjects and meticulous detail.

Hal Webster’s art exhibit “Schema Stigmata” examines the concepts of self-perception, personal crisis, and the implications of the societal norm. Through a series of abstracted and literal self portraits, Webster investigates so-called mental “disorders” to explore what it means to live outside of the prescribed experience. In this series, the act of scraping and carving layers of built-up oil pastels serves as a catalyst for creating the images, revealing unexpected colors as a metaphor for inflicting harm, like scars that pay homage to the particular conditions they are meant to depict- a haunting landscape of color and depth that invites the viewer into a world of intrigue and mystery.

Join us in celebrating Mattie Wesoloski and Hal Webster’s work! The on-campus exhibitions will be on display in the Sarofim Fine Arts Gallery from April 6–13, 2021. This event is closed to the public, but Southwestern students, faculty, and staff may attend in person.

The gallery is open Tuesday–Friday from 12:00pm–5:00pm, and up to 5 guests may sign up per 30 minute time slot. 

A virtual artist talk will be held on April 7 at 6:00pm in a RingCentral meeting. Click the link below to RSVP!

COVID-19 Gallery Protocols

• No parents can attend the events in line with our no outside visitors policy.  Virtual tours may be offered by the students to allow family members to see the exhibition.
• A student worker will be on site to monitor the exhibition, and a supervisor will be available if problems emerge. 
• Visitors will sign in and sign out with the student monitor.
• Time limit is 30 minutes. 5 visitors are allowed each half hour with guests arriving on the hour and the half hour.
• Markers will be placed on the floor to aid in distancing and double masking is encouraged.
• Ventilation in the space is not high quality, so the gallery doors may be kept open to aid in ventilation.

SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT

RSVP FOR ARTIST TALK