Shortly after 4 p.m. on January 27th, the Hayden Hall Gallery had begun to fill with students, faculty, and guests for the opening reception of Beauty of the Bluff, an exhibition of work by Christopher Russell. By 4:15, the gallery had lively conversations and quiet reflections as attendees moved around the gallery and the work Russell had on the walls. To create a convivial atmosphere, light refreshments were available to guests to enjoy as they moved around the gallery.
The show is titled Beauty of the Bluff, and is curated by the Visual Arts Department of Southern University and A&M College. The show describes Russell’s personal experience and story of healing, creativity, and self-care. His work embraces the sometimes neglected and kept beauty of Southern University through images and stories. The gallery included sunset images, landscape photos, and images of nature to create a contemplative and calming experience for the guests. The photos encouraged the attendees to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings and to experience the familiar spaces on the campus with a fresh perspective.
Many of the participants commented on the encouragement they received due to their relationships with the art classes on the campus. Nashia Freeman, a third-year student, explained that her ceramics instructor recommended that students draw inspiration from the gallery. Freeman commented, “My ceramic teacher told us to come check it out to get ideas on what to make in class.” Like most of her gallery co-visitors, Freeman exercised particularity by attending to the details of the individual pieces before moving on to the next one.
Some of the participants remarked that they expected more than just art appreciation. “I expect to see creativity, different ideas, and eyes to see through art,” Junior Smith expressed seeking diversity, He added, “I would like to see different opportunities and self-expressions.” Smith’s comments encapsulated the inspiration and motivation of participants, including the artist, on the pieces of the gallery, as they were created from different angled perspectives of Russell’s artistic journey and growth.
The exhibit also inspired self-reflection among the attendees. Aida Jones, a senior, stated, “I actually am! Sometimes looking at art makes you look at life in a different perspective.” Jones’ comments reaffirm the message of the exhibit—rediscovery and the sense of the self.
During the reception, Russell spoke about the meaning of his work. While talking to the guests, he recalled the journey of the creation of the work and the impact of the act of creation. Russell explained, “I never created with the intent to share, but now I see how it affects people.” This illustrates the emotional bond that the artist and the guests had created over the evening.
The Visual Arts Department facilitated the exhibit. Carlie Salomon, an art professor who helped coordinate the gallery, spoke of Russell’s commitment. “I am one of the art professors. He is a good friend who is here all the time, and I have helped put it together,” said Salomon.
The Beauty of the Bluff exhibit demonstrated artistic ingenuity and fostered dialogue, motivation, and new perspectives. As guests continued to wander through the gallery, the exhibit achieved its goal and offered the Southern University community the opportunity to stop, think, and appreciate the beauty that is present in their daily lives.
