by Marcella Ortega
Daily Lobo
UNM graduate student and photographer Sam McFarlane said there is something about white.
"It looks sexual and beautiful against the black background," he said.
His photo titled "Rebirth" is a self-portrait of the artist with milk running over his face.
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Two photographs by McFarlane will be featured at Jonson Gallery in the exhibit "At First Sight: Incoming Studio Graduate Students in the Department of Art and Art History."
The exhibit will display works by new graduate students in the department of art and art history.
McFarlane said he likes to experiment with performance art in his photography. His photo titled "Alone Again" is another self-portrait of the artist with his back to the camera as he looks at a nude woman wrapped in plastic.
He said the picture has to do with the idea of placing someone on a pedestal.
"The plastic is a barrier to me," he said. "She's unavailable."
McFarlane received his undergraduate degree at Georgetown. He said he chose UNM because it is a great school.
"It was one of the best programs in the country," McFarlane said.
Student Cristina de los Santos earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Texas-Austin. Two oil pastel drawings by de los Santos are displayed in the exhibit.
"I like to combine large objects with small detailed drawings," she said. "I like this method because I can combine different elements."
De los Santos said her drawings deal with objects relating to the human anatomy.
"I actually like the shape of livers, lungs and hearts," she said. "It's just an interest of mine."
De los Santos said she came to UNM because of the area.
"It's just a great region to be in, with the scenery and the laid-back atmosphere," she said. "It's nice here, and the people are great, too."
Student Ben Johnsen displayed a sculpture from his senior thesis titled "It's Not About Following a Pattern."
Johnsen received his undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska.
His sculpture resembled three clay neighborhoods with white houses. A cloud shades one house within each neighborhood.
"It's about regularity," he said. "We don't choose the home we are born into."
Student Sage Chettle displayed an etching and a painting. Chettle said she used printmaking techniques to make the etching. She began printmaking during her undergraduate studies at Missouri State University.
"It's the experience," she said. "It just stuck with me. I really enjoyed it. It's kind of an indirect process. I like working that way - being surprised at the image."
Chettle said she came to UNM because of the faculty.
"It seemed like it was a good fit for me, especially the instructors," she said.
"At First Sight: Incoming Studio Graduate Students in the Department of Art and Art History"
Jonson Gallery
Through Oct. 6
Tuesday-Friday
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Free
