Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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La’Nisha Rodgers ’25 | Between Here and Me
On view: March 29- April 4th, 2025 Reception: Wednesday, April 2, 4:00-5:30 p.m. Artist Statement: La’Nisha Rodgers is a senior Studio Art Major and Chinese Studies Minor from Houston, TX. She welcomes you to Between Here and Me, a series of comics. The comics explore the twists and turns of identity—how it’s shaped, tested, and sometimes turned upside-down…
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Seen On Campus: Elijah Gowin’s “Into the Sun 40”
Elijah Gowin ’90 (American, b. 1967)Into the Sun 40, 2009Archival pigment printGift of Malú Alvarez, Class of 2002 When I first laid eyes on this piece of artwork on the wall in Wall, I couldn’t help but be instantly transported to a place that’s practically a staple of the Davidson experience: Lake Campus, or as…
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Seen in Storage: Howard Finster’s Earth, Heaven, Hell
Howard Finster (American, 1916-2001)Earth, Heaven, Hell, 1986Oil on board54 x 16.75 inchesGift of the S. Powell Bridges Family Howard Finster (American, 1916-2001) refers to himself by many names: a Preacher, a Second Noah, and a sacred artist. Originally a travelling preacher, Finster was painting a bicycle one day when a smudge of paint got on…
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Seen in Storage: Bridge
Richard Aberle Florsheim (American, 1916-1979)Bridge, 1977Lithograph on paper12.125 x 20 inGift of Lakeside Studio On a whim, I discovered Richard Aberle Florsheim’s Bridge in the Van Every/Smith Galleries collection. Despite its gloomy, dismal mood, I felt captivated by its simplicity and its ambiguity, as if I was staring out a blurry train window on an…
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Seen in Storage: A Doorway into My Semester in Italy
James McBey (Scottish, 1883-1959)The Doorway, 1925Etching on paper10.75 x 8.1875 inGift of John A. Welsh, III ’59 As I first began to browse the Van Every | Smith collections in search of artwork reminiscent of my semester abroad, I sought a piece with some kind of not merely Italian, but Florentine quality. Not necessarily a…
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New Acquisition: Harmony Hammond’s Emerging Cross I
Harmony Hammond (American, b. 1944) Emerging Cross I, 2022 Mixed media monotype on Twinrocker paper 10 x 13 in Gallery Purchase with funds from the Dr. Joan Huntley Art Acquisition Endowment Harmony Hammond (American, b. 1944) is one of the most influential artists in the Feminist Art movement of the late 20th century. In 1972,…
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Bimal Shahi ’25 | Way of Life
On view: March 19 – 25, 2025 Reception: Friday, March 21, 4:15-5:30 p.m. Bimal Shahi is a senior at Davidson College, pursuing a double major in Economics and StudioArts. He is the first international student to receive the prestigious Malú Alvarez Visual ArtScholarship at Davidson College. Additionally, he was awarded the Youth National Nyo Art Award inNepal…
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Seen in Storage: Flies In The Window, Castletown House, Ireland
Alen MacWeeney (Irish, b. 1939)Flies In The Window, Castletown House, Ireland, from “Alen MacWeeney” portfolio, 197210.5 x 15.375 inGelatin silver printGift of Mr. James R. McNab, Jr. ’66 I spent last fall in the Irish countryside at the Burren College of Art. The school was surrounded by green fields, rocky hills, and cows. On one…
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Seen in Storage: Highlighting Feminist History and Female-Centered Art this International Women’s Day
Today, most of us recognize March 8th as International Women’s Day, yet the holiday was instituted in the United States less than a century ago. Situated within a rich tapestry of key moments in the feminist movement, both the advent of International Women’s Day and its significance are best understood in context. A brief investigation…
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Material and Imaginative Worlds: Landscapes from the Collection
As a senior art history major at the galleries, I had the honor of curating a landscape exhibition to accompany local artist Elizabeth Bradford’s stunning exhibition Warp Weft Water Weeds. The show takes a look at landscapes, both historical and contemporary, to contemplate who creates and is included in the landscapes presented. Whether through imagined…
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Seen in Storage: Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Plaque, Kangxi Period
Unknown artistChinese Blue and White Porcelain Plaque, Kangxi Period, ca. 1662-1772Porcelain7.5 x 10.25 in.Gift of Dan McLawhorn, Class of 1970, and Robert J. Hazelgrove, Jr. While this may look like a simple painting, it is actually a porcelain plaque painted with brilliant blue and white glazes. I had the chance to examine and discuss this…
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Seen in The Galleries: Elizabeth Bradford, Warp Weft Water Weeds
For months leading up to Elizabeth Bradford’s exhibition, I passed by one of her pieces in the gallery’s office and hanging storage. Every time, I was completely captivated and seduced by its vibrant, intertwining colors. Now that the show is up in the Van Every Gallery, I see how Bradford’s work transforms familiar botanicals—plants I’ve…
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Seen in Storage: Aberham Linckon
As a child, I remember the joy of waking up on a cold Monday morning and realizing I could spend the day at home. Looking back, though I knew it was Presidents’ Day, I did not think much of it, aside from my gratitude for the day off. As a political science major, I reflect…
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Elizabeth Bradford: Nature’s Soundtrack
As North Carolina’s winter begrudgingly inches towards its end, a new exhibition is arriving at the Van Every/Smith Galleries to make us even more anxious for spring’s return. Elizabeth Bradford’s Warp Weft Water Weeds is just one more reason to look forward to the time of renewal and rebirth that spring promises, as she captures…
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Seen on Campus: The Group of Ten
Magdalena Abakanowicz (Polish, 1930-2017)The Group of Ten, 2011Bronze63.5 x 74 x 96 in.Gift of the Artist; Pat and B.D. Rodgers; Linda and George Kelly, parents of Win Kelly, Class of 2002, and Madeline Kelly, Class of 2008; Katherine Belk-Cook; and Virginia Newell, Class of 1978 There’s an uncanniness to Abakanowicz’s bronze figures, arranged in a…
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Seen in Chambers: Lost in My Life (Chiral Lines 3)
Rachel Perry (American, b. 1962)Lost in My Life (Chiral Lines 3), 2016Digital pigment60.25 x 40.75 in.Gift of John Andrew MacMahon ’95 It took me a few moments to recognize what was happening in this photograph – amidst the colorful, vibrating lines is a person, blending into the background and hiding their face with a piece of…
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Seen in Storage: Deer by Ignatius Palmer
Ignatius Palmer (American, 1904-1992)Deer, 1978Watercolor on paper8.5 x 11.5 inGift of Carol Quillen, 18th President of Davidson College, and George McLendon While working a shift in the Galleries’ offices where I returned some art to the storage racks, my eyes were drawn to a specific piece. Two blue-tinted mule deer, identifiable by their black-tipped tails…
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Seen in My Room: Genie (Peony)
Jiha Moon (South Korean, b. 1973)Genie (Peony), 2019Lithograph, screenprint and nail decals26.75 x 21 in.Gallery Purchase This fall, I had the opportunity to participate in ArtMate, an incredible program at Davidson College that allows students to select artwork from the college’s gallery collection to display in their personal spaces. During the selection party at the…
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Seen on Campus: Waves III
Jaume Plensa (Catalan Spanish, b. 1955)Waves III, 2012Stainless steel and stone98.5 x 75.5 x 131.5 in Gift of James G. Pepper, Class of 1965 Whenever I walk by Waves III by Jaume Plensa, I feel like I have to stop and look at it. It’s a sculpture made up of letters and symbols from all…
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The LGBTQ Community Quilt Project
In the spring of 2024, the Davidson College Art Galleries collaborated with textile artist Erika Diamond to create a community project for queer students and allies at Davidson College. Erika Diamond (American, b. 1978) is a multidisciplinary textile artist primarily working in Asheville, NC. Diamond’s works often surround themes of protecting queer youth. In 2024,…
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Exploring American Identity Through Bethany Collins’ Hymnals
As we move forward after election day, we’re given an opportunity to reflect on what this moment means for us as a nation. In this context, I believe two works on display in the Davidson College Library by Bethany Collins, America: A Hymnal and The Star Spangled Banner: A Hymnal provide a good lens through…
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Day With(out) Art 2024
Visual AIDS is an organization founded in 1988 with a goal to fight AIDS by inspiring conversations and supporting HIV+ artists. Their work includes the Artist+ Registry and Archive Project, which is the largest database of works by artists with HIV/AIDS. These resources are meant to educate on art activism and the lasting impact of…
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Thanksgiving: A Time for Rest and Reflection
The time has finally come. Thanksgiving, the day (and the week-long break) many of us students have long awaited, has arrived allowing us time to take a break from the usual chaos in life and enjoy time eating and participating in various Thanksgiving traditions with friends and family. This is when we can sit back…
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National Native American Heritage Month
November is National Native American Heritage Month in the United States, a time to honor the history, heritage, and culture of Native American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. This month provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many contributions and achievements of Indigenous peoples. At Davidson College, our galleries join this celebration by…
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Seen on Campus: Johnny Weissmuller
George Hurrell (American, 1904-1992)Johnny Weissmuller, 1930Gelatin silver print48 x 36 in.Gift of Robert Brooks Located on the first floor of Chambers Building, you have probably walked past this photograph more than once since the semester began. This piece and the one of Dorothy Lamour that hangs alongside always catch my eye without fail. Both are…
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Profs Talk Art: Dr. Rose Stremlau
For this installment of “Profs Talk Art,” we talked to Dr. Rose Stremlau, a History Professor whose work focuses on the study of the Indigenous South; American Indian women, gender, and sexualities; families and kinship; federal Indian policy; and sexual violence in American History. She looked at Native American artist Wendy Red Star’s The Last Thanks,…
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PROFS TALK ART: Dr. Alison Bory
For our next installation of “Profs Talk Art,” we chatted with Dr. Alison Bory, chair and associate professor of dance, about Robert Rauschenberg’s Ace from his series “Ruminations.” Dr. Bory is currently researching queer representational strategies in Miguel Gutierrez’s trio of works, Age & Beauty, and is beginning a new project examining contemporary performances that create…
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Seen in My Room: True Blue
Ludovica Gioscia (British-Italian, b. 1977)True Blue, 2021Four color screenprint on stitched layers of acid free tissue paper20 x 16 in.Gift of Charlotte and Alan Artus When selecting my ArtMate, I knew I wanted something with vibrant colors. I planned a few possible options before selecting, but upon seeing True Blue in person, I could immediately…
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Seen at the Bechtler: Surrealist Art on Loan
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art currently houses a trio of Van Every/Smith Galleries-owned works, which I had the opportunity to view courtesy of the Davidson Art Department’s Museum Crawl. During this special new event, a lucky group of students, faculty, and staff visited three major art museums in Uptown Charlotte. One stop on the…
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In Dialogue: Catherine Opie at Davidson
A few weeks ago, artist Catherine Opie and curator Charlotte Cotton came to campus for the opening of Opie’s new exhibition Catherine Opie: In Dialogue. As part of their time on campus, Opie and Cotton led a fantastic discussion on the works displayed, followed by a reception. The next morning, Opie and Cotton joined students…
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Seen on Campus: William Eggleston’s “Untitled (Baby Dolls on Cadillac)”
William Eggleston (American, b. 1939)Untitled (Baby Dolls on Cadillac), 1973Dye transfer print11.75 x 17.75 in.Gift of John Andrew MacMahon ’95 As an avid music enthusiast, I first encountered William Eggleston’s work when I discovered the influential cult rock band Big Star. Not only was I drawn to their music, a uniquely disarming brand of power…
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Cultivating Connections: Working with the Catawba Nation
As I move through my senior year at Davidson, I find myself reflecting on the experiences that have shaped my journey. One of the most cherished has been working alongside Dr. Kevin Smith at the Catawba Nation’s Wildlife Preserve. For two summers, and now as part of my senior Environmental Studies capstone, I’ve been involved…
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Seen in Chambers: Dorothy Lamour
Dorothy Lamour, 1935 George Hurrell (American, b. 1904) Gelatin silver print 48 x 36 in Rarely do I speedwalk the halls of Chambers, inevitably late to a class, and find myself halted in place by what decorates the walls. Dorothy Lamour as posed in print on the first floor of the building immediately captured me.…
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Seen on Campus: Dracula
Fritz Eichenberg (German-American, 1901-1990)Dracula, 1973Lithograph on paper26 x 20 in From candy and costumes to pumpkins and witches, Halloween is a frightfully fun day. What better way to celebrate this holiday than with a classic horror story? Fritz Eichenberg’s Dracula is perfect for the spooky season. The piece is an old theater poster advertising for…
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A New Preyer
This summer, the Preyer Academic Building got a refresh of works. For years, a handful of dark, black-and-white photographs had hung on the walls, and thus it was time for a refresh to match the vibrancy of the different professors, students, and staff that utilize the building. Preyer was initially built in 1938 as Davidson…
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Seen on Campus – National Color Day!
Did you know that today, October 22nd, is National Color Day? Yes, there is a day for that, and yes, as an intern at the Van Every/Smith Galleries, I find it worth writing about. Davidson College has many pops of color around campus, from the Yinka Shonibare’s iconic Wind Scultpure (SG) I in front of…
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Seen in My Room: The Printsellers
When it came time to select my art for ArtMate, I had my heart set on a specific piece and just hoped it was still available. Thankfully, it was! Before the selection event, I’d been eyeing The Printsellers by John H. Hunter, thinking it would fit perfectly in my room. I’m not sure if it…
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Seen in Storage: Untitled
Thom O’Connor (American, 1937) Untitled, 1972 Lithograph on paper 19.75 x 18.75 in Art has always had a way of pulling me in, especially pieces that speak quietly rather than demand attention. Thom O’Connor’s Untitled is one of those works. The moment I saw it, I felt drawn into its mysterious, almost haunting atmosphere. It’s…
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Intern Spotlight Fall 2024
Meet our team of incredible interns at the Van Every/Smith Galleries on campus! Hajar Hussein Hajar Hussein is a sophomore educational policy and mathematics double major from Jacksonville, FL. This is her second year interning at the galleries. Her favorite gallery event is ArtMate, and she is especially excited for the new senior shows this…
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Seen in Storage: East Durham Love- Soon as I Get Home I
East Durham Love- Soon as I get Home I, 2019 Kennedi Carter (American, b. 1998) Archival Pigment Print 38.25 x 33.875 in Gift of Jessica Ruhle ’02 East Durham Love captures an incredibly intimate moment between two figures. In a darkly lit room with only the light from the window shining in, the woman figure,…
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Seen in ArtMate: First Place
Carlos Rolon (Puerto Rican, b. 1970)First Place, 201328 x 28 inArchival pigment inks Out of the many pieces available this year for selection through our dorm room art program ArtMate, one piece in particular caught my eye. It’s larger than some of the other pieces, it’s surrounded by, and printed in a square layout, another…
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We Need to Talk: Repairing our Social Fabric One Creative Conversation at a Time with Philippa Pham Hughes
In a deeply polarized country, one of the greatest and hardest acts of civic engagement is talking to people who don’t share our beliefs. But that’s exactly what we need to do if we want to solve the social and political problems our country faces and if we want to create a society in which…
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Seen on Campus: Machined Nature: Anchored Candy no. 9
Vivian Beer (American, b. 1977)Machined Nature: Anchored Candy no. 9, 2017Stainless steel, steel and automotive finishGift of Joseph P. Logan ’77 My first reaction when I spotted this work was surprise: amidst the green, wooded landscape is an unnatural pop of shiny red. My logical, order-based brain immediately noticed this eye-catching mystery and alerted me…
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Joe Claire ’24 |
On view: April 26- May 1, 2024 Joe Claire was born in Washington, D.C. in 2002. He began experimenting with digital art and photography in high school and now focuses on creating semi-representational photographs and prints focused on entropy and degradation of images from the moment of their inception. He is also passionate about the…
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Julia Matthiesen ’24 | Symbiosis
On View: April 19-24, 2024 Julia Matthiesen was born in New York, and is receiving a BA of Studio Art with a minor in Data Science. She is the inaugural recipient of the Malú Alvarez Visual Arts Scholarship. In 2022, she studied abroad in Florence, Italy and was highly influenced by both the Classical Italian…
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Sarah Green ’24 | I don’t want to be queer, I want to be pretty
On View: April 12-16, 2024 Reception: April 12th, 4:30-5:00pm Sarah Green is a double major in Biology and Studio Art on the Pre-Med track from Anniston, Alabama. She is a Belk Scholar and the recipient of the Douglas Houchens Studio Art Award. In Fall 2022 she studied art history in Vienna, Austria. Green was a…
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Claire Tatum ’24 | Catharsis
On View: April 5-9, 2024 Reception: Friday, April 5, 4:30 -5:30 p.m. Claire Tatum lives and works in Davidson, NC where she is pursuing double majors in Studio Art and Communication Studies from Davidson College. She has shown in group exhibitions, most notably in Davidson College’s Annual Student Art Exhibition where she was honored with…
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Alana Wilson ’24 | Pilina
On View: March 26-28, April 1-2, 2024 Reception: Thursday, March 28, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Alana Wilson grew up in Honolulu Hawai’i and immersed herself in her natural environments and Hawaiian traditional lei making. She has learned to make many traditional lei including lei wili (twisting and wrapping), feather lei, lei lā’ī and lei haku (braiding) style lei…
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Amelia Shields ’24 | In Aeternum
On View: March 20-24, 2024 Reception: March 22, 4:30-5:30pm Amelia Shields lives and works in Davidson, North Carolina. She has exhibited in group shows, most notably in Davidson College Annual Student Art Exhibition, where she was honored with the Visitor’s Choice Award and the Best Sculpture Award. Her process includes using experimental and intentional painting techniques…
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Seen On Campus: From Some Thames (Group J)
Roni Horn (American, b. 1955)From Some Thames (Group J), 2020Photograph printed on paperGift of John Andrew MacMahon ’95 From Some Thames (Group J) by Roni Horn is currently on display in the first floor hallway of Chambers. Roni Horn’s work focuses mainly on the concept of identity; as an “abstract self portrait” her four-part work,…
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