Gallery explores the art of stop-motion animation

The 2012-2013 exhibition series at Rowan University Art Gallery, which focuses on manifestations of motion in the context of visual art, kicks off with “Harsh Realities” from September 4 – October 6. The opening reception is Thursday, September 6 from 5-7 pm.

“Harsh Realities” presents the art of stop motion animation (clay, puppets, toys, dolls, and surface alteration) as it explores - through theatre, humor, drama, and metaphor - the resilience of the human spirit within difficult and challenging circumstances.

The artists include Martha Colburn (cut outs), Eric Dyer (objects/cinetropes), Laura Heit (puppets/toy theatre), Jennifer Levonian (surface alterations), Mickey Please (dolls/puppet), Allison Schulnik (clay), Stacey Steers (surface alterations/installation), Christopher Sullivan (surface alterations) and Karen Yasinsky (puppet).

Co-curated by Jennie Thwing and Joshua Mosley, the exhibit is supplemented by a series of lectures, workshops and screenings: Mosley lectures on the History of Animation on Thursday, September 13 at 5 pm in the Bozorth Hall Theatre; Sullivan presents a theatrical screening of the feature-length animation, Consuming Spirits, on Thursday, September 20 at 5 pm in Bozorth Hall Theatre; and Sullivan also conducts a workshop for film and animation students on Thursday, September 27 at 4:45 pm.

Throughout the season, the gallery will showcase visiting artists who explore the theme through physical and psychological framings of motion, motility and mutability in a variety of forms, augmented by discussions and a variety of other related events.

Admission to the gallery is free and open to the public. Regular gallery hours are Monday – Friday, 10 am to 5 pm (with extended hours on Wednesdays to 7 pm); and Saturday, 12 to 5 pm. For more information, call 856-256-4521 or visit www.rowan.edu/artgallery.

Rowan University Art Gallery is located on the lower level of Westby Hall on the university campus, Route 322 in Glassboro, NJ.