Art
Union Gallery highlights student art with two new exhibitions – Queen's Journal
In an emerging digital environment, artistic productions across the globe have moved onto our computer screens and iPhones. Despite digital restrictions, however, Union Gallery managed to keep the spontaneous energy of film and the art of sculpture alive in its two virtual exhibitions, Lens/Visions and Growing ; pains.
On Nov. 12 and 13, Lens/Visions, a virtual screening of 11 short films created by Queen’s students and recent graduates was streamed on Facebook Live. The amalgamation of creative projects ranged from themes of environmentalism to romantic relationships, and varied in terms of film approaches, showcasing the breadth of creativity at Queen’s.
The production was curated by Roy Zheng, Union Gallery curatorial assistant, who introduced the films and led a Q&A session following the screenings. This collaborative space where viewers could actively engage with artists created a real sense of community and proved how impactful film can be in the midst of global unrest.
The films were organized into two guiding themes, with ‘Mobile Lens’ on the first day and ‘Critical Visions’ on the second. The films of ‘Critical Visions’ encompassed the more palpable themes of isolation and unrest, which carried a heavier tone compared to films in the ‘Mobile Lens’ collection.
James P. Hoban’s Dinner was an emotionally tense six minutes, expertly shot in a single take. The short film revolved around a young couple struggling to sit down for dinner, as sounds of violence and destruction were present outside. Though dialogue was minimal, the film captured the existential fear and chaos around us as we struggle to maintain normality.
Other notable productions included Ming Winx and Siyang Hu’s Lahu in the Clouds, which depicted the Lahu peoples living in the high mountains of China’s Yunnan Province. The cinematography and imagery were particularly breathtaking, transporting viewers to a completely different cultural landscape.
Winx and Hu’s poetic documentary juxtaposes Nanpo—a quiet paradise—with the spread of COVID-19 around the rest of the world. It specifically emphasizes the relationship between contemporary Chinese ethnic minorities and nature. Undertones of the pandemic were present in multiple films, both explicitly and covertly.
After the festival screening on Facebook Live, Lens/Visions was transformed into an on-site exhibition at the Union Gallery in the Project Room.
In addition to Lens/Visions, Union Gallery also displayed Growing ; pains, which the Gallery described as a portrayal of “the oftentimes painful journey of growth through whimsical and vulnerable larger-than-life sculptures.”
Growing ; pains featured the work of Hannah Gommerman, who is a third year BFA student at Queen’s studying sculpture and painting. Her work is described as interactive, and at times humorous, bridging the poetic with the often uncomfortable and funny reality of opening up.
Gommerman’s sculpture Heart Strings required viewers to physically engage with an oversized geometric heart, folding the sculpture open to reveal inner details. It was a profound exercise on deepening human relationships and the hard truths buried under layers of emotional protection.
Both exhibitions displayed the talent of young artists in the Queen’s community, captivating audiences both virtually and in-person. The innovative work in Lens/Visions and Growing ; pains reminds us that deep connection can be catalyzed in varying ways—allowing us to reflect on our own unpredictable emotions.
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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