The University of Michigan-Flint Visual Arts Program proudly presents:

A BFA Solo Exhibition, Figuratively Speaking by Kat Sheldon

On view, May 2-13, in the UCEN Fine Art Gallery, in the Harding Mott Building, 1st floor.

Artist’s Reception on Tuesday, May 10th from 6-8pm and again on Friday May 13th 5-8pm.

Don’t Miss Out!  It is a great opportunity to start or add to your art collection!

Figuratively Speaking is an overall figurative show metaphorically depicting the often uncomfortable environment minorities experience throughout the rural Midwest.  As the show’s title hints, these issues are addressed subtly through extended metaphors and symbolism.  Much like in real life, viewers are forced to look past the general appearance in order to understand what the pieces are actually about.

The rural Midwest is grounded in its conservatism.  People are good and honest and faithful to a fault.  Certain Christian tenets, such as obedience to authority, are sometimes taken too literally and as a result many people in these areas face prejudice based on their gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.  Because of my own personal experience with tradition, many of the paintings in the collection reference Catholicism.  Certain symbols (such as the palm branches) have been directly lifted from Christian art, while others (such as Simon’s ear) were created for this show.

While the collection falls into the category of a figurative show, it does also feature some landscape paintings.  These were included in order to further express the feelings of emptiness and solitude found in the Midwest.  Although these pieces lack figures, their absence is felt within the work.  Ultimately, these landscapes are not concerned with specific places, but rather people (or the lack thereof).

Kat Sheldon is a contemporary realist painter from Lapeer, Michigan.  Her art is generally figurative although she does enjoy painting landscapes.  Kat begins each piece with a strong vision of its composition but often lets the colors and textures dictate themselves naturally. Her work is characterized by variations in texture, controlled color palettes, and attention to light.

Kat is currently a BFA candidate at the University of Michigan-Flint.  Previously, she studied at Mott Community College where she obtained an Associate in Fine Arts.  She has exhibited work locally and has won many awards through the universities she has attended.  Kat plans on continuing her education by pursuing a master’s degree in the coming years.