WFU exhibit to highlight unique qualities of mass-produced art

“Multiples” will challenge the standard complaints about mass art: that it is unoriginal, formulaic and mentally and morally degrading. Visual artifacts salvaged from almost every decade of the 20th century will be featured. From Amazing Stories and Fortune magazine covers to political cartoons and posters advertising psychedelic music concerts, the displays will bring back potent memories from decades past.

“While many critics dismiss mass art as a contradiction in terms, the exhibit will celebrate the form’s ability to fulfill the true purpose of art: to reach broadly across social and economic barriers to touch the lives of many,” said David Lubin, a co-curator of the exhibit. “The exhibit will challenge visitors to determine whether or not mass art does amount to more than cheap, disposable baubles of consumer culture.”

Curators Victor Faccinto and David Lubin designed the show to provide a grab bag of bright, bold and splashy images. The title, “Multiples” is a play on words because multiple artifacts are gathered here from multiple decades. They were also manufactured in multiples of thousands or millions.

The exhibit will be open at the Fine Arts Gallery on the first floor of the Scales Fine Arts Center Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery is closed during university holidays.

The opening reception will be held Friday, Oct. 6, from 7-9 p.m.

The Upstairs Gallery will feature “Illuminations,” recent drawings by Winston-Salem artist William Fields that are products of his study of Eastern philosophies. Fields was a 1999 Regional Artist Grant recipient.

For more information call 336-758-5585.