STORY AND PHOTO BY ALIZE MARTINEZ, STAFF WRITER
Cypress College’s Visual and Performing Arts Division (VAPA) is hosting an exhibition titled “The Collective Self” from April 9 to Aug. 31 at John Wayne Airport.
The display is at Baggage Claim areas A and B.
The exhibition, “The Collective Self,” has pieces from most areas of expertise, including 3-D, paintings, photography, and jewelry.
The exhibition is led by Janet Owen Driggs and Donivan Howard. Both faculty and student work from the Art and Photography department were displayed.
“They came up with the concept and the artwork in probably two weeks and had it ready for delivery,” said Dower.
According to the Cypress College Art Gallery website, the “Collective Self” gallery was inspired by concepts of psychology and sociology. It explores “the multi-faced nature of identity and identity construction,” highlighting the chemistry of self-contemplation, individuality, community, and diverse artistic expression.
“I think the exhibit is an extension almost of what we do on campus,” said Dower. She further encouraged students who are part of the department to show off their work to friends and family who may be traveling through the airport.
However, some of the tables displaying art pieces didn’t have anything to tell the audience; they didn’t have labels for titles or descriptions that could have described what the artists were trying to portray. Two of the pieces included a 3D model of a park and building, named “Pavilion Park Model,” and another named “Repeated Forms.”
Nick Guerra, an attendee visiting the gallery, commented on the “Repeated Forms” piece: “The 3D portion of the exhibit is really cool. I just thought that the shapes were really cool, and what stood out to me.”
A live performance by the Cypress College Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Dance Team will be held at the exhibition this Friday, May 16, at 11 a.m. at John Wayne Airport near baggage claim.
