From assigned speeches in communication classes to forced presentations of failed biology experiments, higher education creates valuable opportunities that most wouldn’t seek outside a college setting. “That Thing You Hate,” a current exhibit at the Alice Gallery, forces artists and viewers to brush deep into uncomfortable situations.
“Oftentimes as students, we’re forced out of our comfort zones. We have to do x, y or z that we would just as soon not do but we have to do for a grade, or a graduation requirement. Sometimes those are the experiences that we put our head down and struggle through. Other times, it ends up being a really good positive thing for us,” said Namon Bills, developing artist and contributing curator of the exhibit.
The name of the project surfaced from an art class Bills participated in as an undergraduate student at BYU. Not realizing he would focus solely on outdoor landscape painting, he signed up for the class. In this art course, the professor reminded Bills that strict art schools force students to paint landscapes for six months. Ignoring the professor’s advice, Bills became disenchanted with scenery artwork, a choice he now regrets.
“If I really did that, if I’d really dedicated myself to doing landscape, I would’ve found something valuable in the experience … It probably would’ve ended up being a good experience,” Bills said.
“That Thing You Hate” is Bills’ version of landscape art school in Germany. For the showcase, three artists banded together to take themselves out of their comfort zones and explore different art mediums.
Usually, the exhibit’s artists create geometric collages or abstract art. Justin Wheatley took a break from photo collages to pursue still life and paint, Linnie Brown studied different styles of portraiture and Bills chose to pursue representational landscapes.
To complete the project, artists worked with mentors holding expertise in their hated areas of study. The guides acquainted them with the new style. Casey Childs, Jeff Pugh and Chris Terry dedicated themselves to the task. The exhibition incorporates contributions from both the experimental artists and their mentors. They also implemented a Facebook page to publish efforts along the way.
Another unique trait of this exhibit is the incorporation of artist authority over gallery authority. Introductory artist Bills proposed the idea to the museum over a year ago and worked in cooperation with the Utah Division of Arts and Museums to put the project together. Any artist is welcome to submit exhibit proposals to the museum.
The exhibit runs from Aug. 8 to Oct. 4 at the Alice Gallery in Glendinning Mansion. On Sept. 20, there will be a special exhibit in conjunction with the Salt Lake Gallery Stroll. The event will include the chance to speak with the artists.
“I think it’s a brilliant concept,” Visual Arts Manager Laura Durham said. “Whether they end up liking it or not, doesn’t matter. The point is that they’re exploring something and gaining something — an appreciation for it.”
The exhibit is the outcome of a bold learning experience and the creation of an appreciation for new and sometimes uncomfortable mediums abstract artists seldom enjoy.