In order to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in studio art from Appalachian State University one must participate in the final senior show. This show consists of an exhibition of art by graduating students. Traditionally students create a 2D piece of art work, but this year there is one student who wishes to break the tradition. After sitting down with Audrey Boyle and discussing her plan for the exhibition I was immediately blown away. She was interested in making her project socially engaging art that focuses on relationships and interactions. She not only wanted her project to be meaningful, but also wanted to make a difference. Audrey was in search for something beyond 2D art. Audrey's idea is to breakdown socioeconomic barriers through food. Homelessness has unfortunately affected many lives, including Audrey's. Her plan is to hold an event either at the Hospitality House or the F.A.R.M. Café. The event will be a dinner where she will invite people from all different socioeconomic backgrounds and record the conversations between them. There will be a journal set up where Audrey will write her personal story then invite the guests to share theirs. At the final senior show she will showcase the journal of stories and include a set of headphones for observers to listen to the conversations from the dinner where the socioeconomic barriers were broken. What I respect most about this project is Audrey's awareness of the sensitivity surrounding economic barriers. She does not want to force people to tell their stories or have conversations strictly on her topic. She does not even plan on telling the people attending the dinner of her topic at all. Her final project is an experiment expressed through art. Audrey will present this idea to a small board of teachers this Friday to determine whether her project is viable. My photos featured on this post are of artwork she has created for the event. Audrey's boldness makes her a trailblazer in the art world. Her creative and original ideas are sculpted into magnificent and breathtaking pieces of art. She is currently selling her art online on Society6.com and you can browse some of her projects on her website, AudArt. You can also follow her AudArt accounts on Instagram and Facebook. |