Figure in Space

Figure in Space, Steckline Gallery, Newman University, Wichita, Kansas

Figure in Space an invitational by Dan Jenson who is currently an adjunct faculty at Newman University. The ten artists invited are all Kansas residents and close acquaintances of Dan’s. Despite the close connections to Dan all of the artist seem more than capable of creating with the “figure in space” as a jumping off point. The figure in space is dealt with in a variety of ways. The works by Beth Van Netta are interesting as the actual figure is not a tangible form yet referenced to by the objects she builds. At first glance her hand forged crow and walking sticks may seem out of place within the context of the show, yet breakthrough the ordinary to reveal the human connection. Ted Adler’s ceramic forms have a visceral reference to the interior of the figure as if ones guts were turned inside out. The works by Susan De Witt are light hearted and amusing as the viewer may expect to see from her, as she puts her touch to the idea of figure in space. In the corner of the space is a white box affixed to a table post and seems rather non-descript except for the peephole. Marc Durfee asks the viewer to participate by peering into the hole and discovering the figure in space. Marc has created an interesting world within the box. His combination of a used bread mixer, mirrors and the invisible woman are just the right ingredients for an interesting experience. Overall the Figure in Space exhibition is a gathering of ten different views and approaches to what the idea of a figure in space is and how it is viewed and experienced.