‘Chakaia Booker: Auspicious Behavior’ on display at Fine Art Museum
Chakaia Booker's untitled lithography, woodcut and handpainted chine collé is included in an exhibition of her work at WCU's Fine Art Museum.
The exhibition “Chakaia Booker: Auspicious Behavior” will be on display at Western Carolina University’s Fine Art Museum through Friday, Oct. 25, with a reception and artist visit set for Thursday, Oct. 10.
Chakaia Booker is an abstract sculptor who creates textured and layered works in both 3-D and 2-D media. Her work addresses African-American identity, racial and economic inequality, and environmental concerns. “Auspicious Behavior” is a traveling exhibition that was organized by the Ewing Gallery at the University of Tennessee and will feature 19 of Booker’s chine collé prints and four of her sculptures made from repurposed tires.
Booker has developed her own method to create her prints. Taking full advantage of the various tools and materials available in the print studio, she cuts into woodblocks with drills, chisels and grinders, and paints on paper with gouache, watercolor and film ink to create an array of lively marks – some sharp and rough, others organic, swirling and energetic. Booker’s signature sculptures incorporate discarded construction materials. Tires resonate with her for their versatility and rich range of historical and cultural associations. Booker slices, twists, weaves and rivets this medium into radically new forms and textures, which easily withstand outdoor environments.
Activities on Oct. 10 include a reception with Booker beginning at 5 p.m. in the Fine Art Museum, which is located in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, and a formal talk by the artist in the performance hall of the Bardo Arts Center at 7 p.m.
The WCU Fine Art Museum is always free and open to the public, with free parking on-site, Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday until 7 p.m. More details are available at arts.wcu.edu/exhibitions.
