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Jackson, Tenn. – September 27, 2000 – The Union
University Art Department will present a multi-media art exhibit focusing
on the subject of racism at the Ned R. McWhorter Fine Arts Center
beginning Oct. 6. The free exhibit, titled "A Lynching of
Racism," will feature collaborative works of alternative art by Union
students and faculty.
"Racism is a topic that needs to be addressed, and art is the best
vehicle to present this in its truest form," said Union art professor
Lee Benson. "Art is the transference of feelings, and at its roots,
racism is about one group of people feeling superior to another." For
this reason, Benson believes that art is the only medium that can truly
show racism for what it really is.
Among the exhibits to be shown: a large confederate flag painted in
black, white, and gray; a painting that depicts a row of school desks
covered with racial slurs with a blackboard at the end reading,
"Teach your children well," and a church divided into black and
white sides with a gray cross between them.
Though the exhibits that will be displayed have all been created by
white students and faculty, Benson says the bottom line is that the
artwork shows a heart for God and addresses a problem that should not be
ignored.
"I hope that this display will give students a voice and an
opportunity to promote someone other than themselves," said Benson.
"Our goal is that the students will understand that there is art that
God wants to be created, and this is a chance to do just that."
The exhibit will run through Nov. 6. For more information, contact the
Art Department at (901) 661-5378.
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