Art exhibit features expressions of democracy through graffiti
October 21, 2008
Political points of view usually come in the way of speeches, debates and even protests – but what about graffiti? “Writing on the Walls”, a traveling exhibit now at Indiana University Kokomo’s Art Gallery, depicts just that – political expressions through graffiti art.
Five Indiana artists portray their perceptions of democracy in a display the public can view until Nov. 19 at the Art Gallery, located in the Kelley Student Center. Gallery Director Whitney Bair-Sneed said there will also be a blank wall where visitors can draw or write their concepts of democracy.
“It goes right along with the theme of the upcoming elections,” Bair-Sneed said of the display, which originated on the IU Bloomington campus. “We are the second campus to put up the professional artists’ panels, as well as the blank wall.”
In addition, Malcolm Motubu Smith, one of the featured artists and associate professor of fine arts at IU Bloomington, will host two public lectures titled, “Hip Hop Culture and Graffiti”, on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the gallery.
Other artists include Hannah Shuler, David Ebbinghouse, Mike Burchfield and Julian Hensarling.
Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesdays until 8 p.m.; Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m.; and Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m. Persons without campus parking permits should follow signs to visitor parking.
Indiana University Kokomo serves a seven county, primary service area in north central Indiana. The campus offers more than 40 academic programs including four graduate degrees.
