Over one hundred people attended the debut of the “Intersections: Artists Master Line and Space” exhibition at the Akron Museum of Art on Friday, Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m.

The exhibit features works from six artists who use a broad spectrum of media, composition, and size. The reception was free to the public and featured light hors d’oeurves, drinks available at the bar, and music played by DJ Naeno.

Guests were invited to tour the newest installations, some of which spanned the width of the museum, and imbibe their messages. Attendees could also create a three-dimensional doodle and participate in paper-making workshops.

Those entering the museum through the main doors gazed upon a large, red body clinging and climbing the museum’s internal steel and glass structure.

The inflated cloth exhibit, called “Wiggle, Giggle, Jiggle,” was created by Cleveland artist Jimmy Kuehnle who was in attendance Friday evening. Guests were able to enter the warm, glowing confines of the structure from the lobby, or follow the Akron Art Museum’s stairs and catwalk and observe from above.

English graduate student Kevin Tasker described the installation as “a gyrating serpent of flesh, complete with throbbing members of suggestive origin.”

As guests climbed the stairs into the Karl and Bertl Arnstein Galleries of the museum, they entered “Intersection.” Work in this gallery was composed by Anne Lindberg, Nathalie Miebach, Mark Fox, Judy Pfaff, John Newman, and Ursula von Rydingsvard.

The objects arranged by the artists spanned from two-dimensional works to room-spanning three-dimensional sculptures formed from cardboard, mixed media, glass, and much more. The work in these galleries allowed guests to view a work of art from many angles and closely observe the method of creation and intricate detail.

Other works soared overhead, spanning a wide gap where viewers could sink into the background and silently stare. Several artists were present to discuss the works composed with guests.

Chief Curator Janice Driesbach said the exhibit “allows visitors a deeper understanding the [artist’s] intentions and creative processes.”

The artwork begs the question of creation to the viewer. The very nature of the pieces on display challenges one’s interpretation of what it means to create, to pull forth form from materials. Many pieces require prolonged study to absorb the intricate assembly and communication.

Students interested in viewing the artwork on display at the Akron Museum of Art should note that the museum is free every Thursday. Otherwise, ticket prices with a valid student ID are $8.
“Intersections” will be on display until Jan. 15, 2017. “Wiggle, Giggle, Jiggle” will be on display until Feb. 19. The exhibit was made possible by the coordinated efforts of the Lehner Family Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, the Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation, and the Ohio Arts Council.