BEMIDJI, Minn. — Jason Clark, assistant professor of visual arts at Bemidji State University, will present an exhibition entitled “Collecting and Transforming” in the Talley Gallery of the Education Arts Complex on the Bemidji State campus from Tuesday, Feb. 17 through Tuesday, March 20.

Clark, who teaches drawing and printmaking at Bemidji State, will showcase a collection of prints.

Clark work is rooted in the traditional stories, teachings and beliefs of his ancestors, and the erroneous beliefs about native Americans and their environment prevalent in Western society.  His work takes from both cultures and speaks in two voices to reflect his own experience of being both European and Indian in descent. The work applies the philosophical values and beliefs established by his ancestors to contemporary life.

“The subjects portrayed in my art are from personal experiences, the legends of my Algonquin heritage and what people are being taught about Native Americans and our environment by Western culture through parents, teachers, textbooks, films, television, cartoons, consumer advertisements, products and through other transmitters of misinformation,” Clark said.

“The reality that both my Algonquin culture and the dominant culture each have legends and stories the other perceives to be invalid myths and fabrications intrigues me,” he added. “My work is based on this reality. I am taking myths and legends from both cultures and visually exploring them using two distinct styles to speak in two voices. These voices speak of two parallel cultures, one not subordinate to or assimilating the other.”

An opening reception for the show will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 17 beginning at noon.

Located in room 212 of the Education Arts building on the campus of Bemidji State University, the Talley Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The gallery is barrier-free and is open at no charge to the public.

For more information, contact Talley Gallery Director Laura Goliaszewski at (218) 755-3708.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Feb. 17 – March 20 – Bemidji State University’s Talley Gallery presents “Collecting and Transforming,” an exhibit of works by assistant professor of visual arts Jason Clark. Opening reception Feb. 17 at noon. Call (218) 755-3708 for gallery hours or for more information.