Giant prints, metal mayhem and proof that Tina Rehfeld is the sultan of squeegees are all on display at the Cal State Long Beach student galleries this week.
Student teacher Tina Rehfeld shows a combination of hand-sewn dolls and some awe-inspiring silk-screen prints. Anyone who has ever worked in the medium of silk-screening knows the challenges that the methodical art offers, and the benefits that it reaps when it is done right. Rehfeld’s prints, which feature the same cartoon rabbit that the dolls are modeled after, are fine, in every sense of the word. Her attention to detail, registration of color layers, composition and ability to clean the fine screens and continue running prints is impressive. “I Know This Hurts, It Was Meant To,” which features a Nazi execution, a pile of corpses, a mushroom cloud and a crying child is disturbing, yet the most captivating piece, for Rehfeld. Although it reminds viewers of a tarnished past, it is a study in near perfection.
Large-scale prints by graduate student Aaron Giesel fill the smallest gallery room, further emphasizing their sizes. With simple light refractions placed in the center of these landscapes, which are actually shot like portraits, the images are not viewed the same way as a photo that is busy. It is possible to find yourself staring, transported almost through a worm-hole of sorts into a place inside of, or beyond the photos.
Another large show, a collaboration by the metal department, is breathtaking in volume and variety. The metal show has more than 70 pieces and showcases work of all levels of experience from the department including sculptures, foundry pieces and works by blacksmiths, as well as some beautiful enameled pieces and jewelry.
In metal work, organic shapes and an asymmetrical composition can make the pieces seem “dark” or even disturbing because of all the shameful things humans do with other sharp metal objects. Such is the case with a beautiful, untitled and twisted piece of silver and bronze casting by Marta Bialy. The piece menacingly adorns the neck of an innocent mannequin. The organic and vine-like chain adorned with thorns would make quite the fashion martyr of any living model.
Another metal piece in that same vein of somehow dark and ominous work is “Breathing Vessel” by Lydia Tijoe Hall. Like a pitcher-plant straight from the depths of hell, this piece made from reclaimed metal, or mesh, holds nothing more than emotion.
Lastly, adjacent to the metals show, is an exhibition of student teachers, like Rehfeld. These individuals work toward providing their students with a both broad and deep understanding of artistic media to better train them to be working artists.
The most obvious and confrontational series in this room is that of a man covered in various viscous fluid. Maple syrup, chocolate, melted ice cream, honey and powdered sugar make the photo series by Rigo Maldonado as sweet as it is satirical. Although the dripping digital images are in a way disgusting, the fact that the model is male lends the series to comedy. There is something overtly sexual about them, but the flavors and appearance of the liquids is so far removed from the sex act that it’s not as disturbing to view them as it is thought-provoking. Maldonado also shows a metal piece titled “Orgy” in the next room.
A foam sculpture by Amanda Denison is a welcome change of pace and draws much attention. Denison’s monster, “Make Believe,” seems to stare at a viewer with more than a dozen eyes.
The weekly student art galleries run Monday through Thursday from noon to 5 p.m. between the FA2 and FA3 buildings.
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