Callander's work in Tennessee exhibition
"Dusty’s Spring Window," Neil Callander, 20"x20" oil on panel
Neil Callander, assistant professor in the Department of Art at Mississippi State, exhibited recently in the 28th Annual Positive/Negative National Juried Art Exhibition, Minority Rule. The exhibition, which ended March 8, was held in the Slocumb Galleries of East Tennessee State University.
Juror Michael Ray Charles writes that Minority Rule “is a concept inspired by evolving forces integral to life in America during, what I refer to as, the threshold years of the 21st century. Cultural norms, tradition and values are in a constant state of negotiation. In an attempt to accommodate nontraditional norms that are shaped by technology, labor, economics and globalization, established customs and beliefs are re-examined, modified, and, in some cases, rendered obsolete. ...It has been said, ‘the distinction between past, present, and future is only a persistent illusion.’ What each artist chosen for this exhibition loves and whatever they have come to understand has influenced the work they’ve produced. Each generation of artists are faced with the ultimate challenge of discovering itself, its values and norms. This generation of artists is no different. Its road towards self discovery is shaped by ideas derived from proven and failed practices of previous generations, but it will eventually find its ways of making art which reflects who it is and what it will become.”
Callander recently moved to Starkville from Louisville, Ky., where he taught at the University of Louisville for five years. He is the Foundation Program Coordinator in the Art Department and teaches Drawing and Design courses.
For additional information about the Department of Art, please visit http://caad.msstate.edu/wpmu/artnews.
