'Lust and Heartbreak' at the Bapst Library

If you have never been able to explore Bapst Library, you will be shocked to find that it has more to offer than beautiful architecture and a quiet study space. Here you can uncover a part of Boston College that you might have never known was there before: art. The Bapst Library has been taken hostage once again for the Art Club's student exhibition, "Lust and Heartbreak." Feb. 28 marked the opening of another triumphant marker for the BC Arts program. The student-produced-and-run art exhibit is one of the art clubs many activities at promoting the arts around BC. Walking into the gallery, the viewer can reflect on each piece and the various techniques used by each artist in correlation with the dangers of passions and intimate love. One intriguing piece is an abstract sculpture by Stepahenie Bachiero, A&S '07. Her ceramic sculpture signifies the trials of her life. It is a reflection of an accident she had 3 1/2 years ago where she felt broken: mind, heart, and body and has taken much time to rebuild. The carefully planned out structure of each piece was carefully carved and assembled and holds great meaning for the artist. Another artist that is hard to miss when exploring the exhibit is the artwork by Brendan Hadcock, A&S '09. His paintings "The Rape of Pesephone" and "Sincerity" are noticeably influenced by Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt, some of Hadcock's favorite artists. "'The Rape of Persephone' is vaguely modeled after the 'Kiss' by Klimt. Also I have always been interested in Myths about Hades and this myth particularly because it is not completely black and white." He uses oil and metallic paint on canvas to carve out the myth and heart of this classic Hades myth while bringing the story to life. Many notably interesting parts of the painting are the limited and muted palette choices, except for the detailed cloth and gold patterning reminiscent of Klimt.

Jon Harding, president of the Art Club and A&S '07, comments on the process of running the exhibit. "With all of the great art displayed, there still was not a large amount of artwork turned in by students for the exhibit. It can be difficult to find people to share their work." The exhibit was open to anyone wanting to turn in their work. "We just want to provide a forum for people to share their artwork. Specifically, this exhibit was supposed to be a post-valentine reaction. However, due to scheduling conflicts, the dates were pushed back."

The Art Club is a great instrument for artists, though "the goal of the art club is to create awareness and appreciation for the arts," said Michael Echemendia, CSOM '07, a member of the Art Club. Echemendia displayed a series of his work that personifies many of Salvador Dali's work. He said, "it is my interpretation of Salvador Dali's femininity." He is successful in some of the pieces with his concept, though others could be further developed. Another artist displayed in the exhibit is Heather Reid, A&S '07, who created mixed-media works of self portraits. She wanted to display the dichotomy of how the body is fragile and gruesome at the same time by sewing her body into the cardboard. It is a grittier way of sewing and yet it is so delicate looking. She explains her technique by "doing a transfer of the image onto the board then poke holes along the line and sews a pattern and outline of herself. I like how the sewing is heavy and physical activity." Heather Reid's series with this technique is aesthetically interesting in its method and execution. The minute details beckon the user to become immersed in the body.

The art club in conjunction with the fine arts department strives to generate an interest in the arts and hopes to provide an outlet for students, art majors or not, to share work and be creative. The growing popularity of "First Fridays" and the Drawing Marathon are also events that the Art Club sponsors and successfully stimulates the BC community with channels of creativity. "We are really trying to push for awareness, trying to be edgy and get people to be involved," said Danielle Ralic, a member of the Art Club and CSOM '09. The effect of the exhibit leaves a person well satisfied and thirsty for more and allows each person to explore at his or her own level and to question what lust and heartbreak means to them. The exhibition was on display until March 13 at the Bapst Library, Student Gallery. n