The Journal

Issue date: 10/4/07 Section: Lifestyle

Media Credit: Jennifer Meinhardt Carla and Laura Evans, relatives of Webster University freshman Sally Evans, browse the displayed artwork Sept. 27 in the University Center Commons.

In the darkened hall of the University Center Commons, four art students put together a show that highlighted talents in the Webster University Art department.

Consisting mainly of paintings with one woodcarving, the works of art majors Sheri Gonzalez, Joanne Rohe, Crystal Lewis and Swetha Nellakanti were displayed Sept. 27. Although there was a limited number of artists displaying their wares, the pieces were colorful and attracted viewers.

Gonzalez, a senior, had three paintings on exhibit. Her paintings showed the female body with a twist, she explained. One painting, called "Calendar Girls," was of a feminine-shaped lymphatic system with a brassiere hanging off the fingertip of one outstretched hand.

Another, called "Muscular Woman," was a larger-than-life sized depiction of a female body's muscular system in high heels. Both of her paintings were posed suggestively, Gonzalez said.

"It's to depict the ridiculous nature of porn," she said. " Everybody is the same underneath."

She also said she was commenting on the ridiculous nature of society's beauty standards.

She gave accolades to the faculty within the art department for fostering her ability to expand in this direction.

"They push you to explore not only the concept, but the reason behind the concept," Gonzalez said.

Another contributing artist who attended the event was Swetha Nellakanti, a junior art student with an emphasis in printmaking and graphic design. Born in India, Nellakanti moved to St. Louis when she was four and credits much of her inspiration to her heritage.

She had paintings displayed as well as a log that she had carved and finished with a shellac coating. She said it was supposed to look like a toad.

One painting she displayed was titled "Monkeys." She described it as abstract forms with designs interspersed throughout. She said this is a common theme throughout her works.

Beth Blumfelder, a program manager for Campus Activities, was responsible for bringing together the artists for this event.

She initially wanted to provide a break between the dance recital and the film show, which took place after the art show.

Continued...

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