“Moonlighters,” the second annual University of Wisconsin-Madison staff and faculty art show, celebrated the idiosyncratic nature of being an artist. Each piece was uniquely itself, yet still in harmony with every other work in the gallery.
The idea of “moonlight” or being a “moonlighter” was the overarching theme of this show, emphasizing the work instructors create beyond their roles as educators. The concept gives students an opportunity to see their professors in a new light and also makes for a unique viewing experience because of the freedom of expression and material included in the expansive theme.
No one would guess it from afar, but the small gallery managed to pack a wide variety of media within its walls.
Nearly every work in the room provided a fresh take on an unconventional medium, notably the butternut candle holder by Naomi Miller or the quilted inkjet print by Taylor Hedrick.
Carolyn Spears, one of the displayed artists, suspended a 75-pound rock from glass-blown chains.
“I was inspired by earth systems for this piece...the idea that if one thing falls out of place, everything else eventually will too,” Spears said.
Although it looked out of the ordinary next to the abundance of intricate woodwork in the room, its unconventionality drew me in. The precarious work was fittingly titled “Tipping Point.”
The most captivating works displayed were by Casey Fletcher.
One of Fletcher’s pieces features a head made out of basswood, displayed on a steel pole and catches your eye as you walk into the room. The right side appears puffy and irritated, providing a sense of unknown melancholy and claustrophobia for the viewer. The sheer mystery and stunningly ornate execution of “Peanut” were what made me linger on it for so long.
On the opposing wall, a geometric symphony of plywood, maple and butternut wooden slabs was showcased. “Got Hands,” also by Fletcher, is a mixed-media piece that fixates on a maplewood hand and a concrete hand reaching in opposite directions. I love the duality of this work and the contrast of the detailing on the hands and the standout blank pieces of wood framing them.
Along with the exceptional art, the atmosphere was genuinely contagious and amplified the viewing experience. All the viewers walked and talked, both with each other and the artists. The reception took place on Thursday, September 24th from 5-7 p.m., closing out the week-long show.
“Moonlighters” was a diverse and impressively unified show; the small physical space could be easily ignored because the range of work made the room feel infinitely large.
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