The Contemporary Art Gallery held this month’s exhibition opening in honor of artist Jonathan Pellitteri.
On September 3 from 5 to 7 p.m., attendees were able to browse the exhibition’s displays as well as enjoy beverages and a light snack.
One of the artist’s goals was to have those viewing his work create a story of what they saw, as well as question what they will view in the future.
“I hope that from looking at the objects that were brought here that they get a sense of curiosity,” said Pellitteri. “Hopefully while they are looking at the work, the people are able to create their own stories to go along with the art. I also hope that looking at these objects will inspire them as they continue to go on in their days and their lives; that they get curious about things and investigate them.”
A student who was viewing the art sculpture, entitled “On the Ropes,” enjoyed how the work captivated his attention to the smallest piece of the artwork.
“It moves your eyes up and down and to the top,” said senior graphic design major Jose Canales. “Even though the top is the smallest of the sculpture, your eyes take you to it and I think it is successful in that aspect because he [Pellitteri] really knows how to make you focus on one particular point.”
Other art students had seen the presentation given by Pellitteri earlier in the day and came back for the opening because they had recognized the hard work put into the exhibit as well as wanting to have more time to view the sculptures.
“It is awesome what all he has done, with all the woodwork and the miniature things,” said junior new media and animation major Ryan Kenny. “He mentioned earlier that he made all the little things himself. It is awesome dedication.”
During the exhibition opening, Pellitteri hoped students would be able to see the mass range of objects available in creating art.
“I hope if they are art students, or particularly, sculpture students more precisely, I hope that they see that a wide range of materials open to them to use and for their work; to know that all of this takes a lot of experimentation, trying things out and not giving up,” said Pellitteri. “Don’t be afraid of them [artwork]. To appreciate art work, you don’t have to look at art work and know exactly what the artist was thinking. But if you can look at it, and it gives you some kind of enjoyment, that is usually enough. I think a lot of people get scared of art galleries or art museums because they think they are not going to get any of it. But if you look at it, enjoy it and create your own meaning; that works too.”
Though Pellitteri may not know what every student thought of his work at the end of the exhibition, his goal of having someone reflect on the artwork was accomplished.
“This is the first time I see something that resonates with me a lot,” said Canales. “By deforming it in extreme ways or changing the scales kind of gives it a different meaning.”
To learn more about the artist, visit jonathanpellitteri.com. For information about upcoming events at the Contemporary Art Gallery, call 985-549-5080 or visit the Southeastern website.
Contemporary Art Gallery Director Dale Newkirk observes Pellitteri's sculpture along with two attendees of the gallery opening.