Collection of three-dimensional art is focus of student exhibit

North Central College presents the solo exhibition “The Anatomy of Emotion,” featuring the artwork of junior Lauren Denler through March 29.

In a collection of mixed media, ceramics and sculptures, “The Anatomy of Emotion” showcases Denler’s avid research and interest in the exploration of the human figure and the fragmented body. The free exhibit is on display through March 29 in the College’s Meiley-Swallow Hall Gallery, 31 S. Ellsworth St. An artist’s reception will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 13, in the gallery; complimentary refreshments will be served.

Denler’s work consists mainly of three-dimensional objects, focusing on ceramic, plaster and wood. She uses her work to portray a variety of themes, from subcultural self-expression to her own family history. She also addresses the issue of social class throughout our society and how that image is portrayed in our culture. By showing everything from the bones to the psychological aspects of a human, viewers can relate to each and every work.

“As I’ve been focusing on human form, I have been intrigued by the physical attributes and also by personality and lifestyle,” said Denler. “I will continue to focus on portraying aspects of human life through natural materials and a natural environment, forcing viewers to not only feel uncomfortable with some of the subject matter, but to also recognize the underlying meaning within the work.”

Denler, a resident of Homer Glen, is double majoring in studio art and art history with minors in Spanish and global studies. She is a part of the College Scholars Honors Program and recently returned from studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain. During the course of her art career, her work has been featured in other campus exhibits, at the Lemont Artists Guild Show, Paramount Theatre Art Gallery in Aurora and The Flower of Life Art Gallery in Lockport. Her name regularly appears on the College’s Dean’s List and she will present a poster at the Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research at the College this spring.

Christine Rabenold, associate professor of art, is faculty advisor for the exhibit. For more information about the exhibit or gallery hours, contact Rabenold at 630-637-5543 or cmrabenold@noctrl.edu.

Art students at North Central College learn traditional and contemporary media; engage in analytical, critical and abstract thinking; and learn to communicate ideas visually. Students attend gallery and museum openings and exhibits in Naperville and Chicago, meet visiting artists, enter juried exhibitions and gain an academic foundation for graduate study in studio art, art education, art history, art therapy, arts administration, art criticism and visual communications. Visit northcentralcollege.edu/majors/art to learn more about North Central’s art program.