It is a dark winter day.
Candles, balloons and stuffed animals are scattered around a tree. These brightly colored dolls stand out vividly like drops of blood in freshly fallen snow.
A simple cross commemorates the site of the accident.’ A shadow is cast on the dying grass, unwavering in the winter cold as friends and family say goodbye to loved ones.
Jenna Matthews, an undergraduate at Stony Brook University, submitted this photographic work titled ‘Roadside Memorial.” Matthews’ pictures are simple, yet they speak volumes.’ They express the sorrow and grief of the victim’s family and friends.’ They express the loneliness and the feeling of loss and disbelief of those who pass by.’
These photos were honorably mentioned during the 2007 Long Island College Art (LICA) competition.
The third annual LICA competition will once again grace the stage of the Student Activity Center Gallery.’ This competition is open to all undergraduate students currently enrolled in colleges and universities in Nassau and Suffolk County.’ The winner of this competition will receive an Apple computer, while runner-ups receive iPods and accessories.
Last year, up to 100 students from 14 different colleges submitted their work, showing the true diversity of all the institutions on Long Island.’ Their artwork filled the gallery with stunning visuals and concepts. But behind these flattering images lie strong messages.
One student submitted a piece showing President Bush in a black and white French maid costume sweeping dozens of dead bodies underneath the fold of the majestic red, white and blue American flag.’
Another piece illustrates the consumer culture in the United States and the attitude many Americans have towards energy use and waste.’ Wires are hung upside down with outlet plugs on top of the ceiling.’ But the long and free flowing wires never reaching their intended outlets.’ Through this work, the artist brings into focus a view of the consumer world that may have been overlooked by the general public.
Phong Bui, editor of the ‘Brooklyn Rail,’ and Bruce Pearson, a contemporary artist, judged last year’s LICA competition.’ All prizes and awards will be presented during the catered reception taking pace on Mar. 13 from 5-7 p.m.’ All are invited.
So send in your point of view this year and see if you can be the one walking away with the MacBook.’ All submissions must be delivered on Mar. 6 and 7 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.’ All entries must be accompanied by the artist’s current student identification.’ The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located on the main floor of the SAC.
