The Department of Art and Art History is hosting “I Like Swap,” an interactive and experimental exhibition in Rowe Arts Building Lower Gallery, through Wednesday, April 3.
Erin Sotak, a visiting artist and artist-in-residence at the McColl Center for Visual Arts, worked with Mary Tuma’s installation class to create “I Like Swap.” The focus of the collaboration was to encourage students to take risks in expression, experimentation and exploration as they develop a personal visual language.
“I Like Swap” considers the meaning that items accrue as individuals discover, collect, present and exchange them. The public is encouraged to participate in “I Like Swap” by bringing an item to the gallery space to exchange. To do so, individuals should:
1) carry your object with you until you are ready to swap: to give in trade
2) bring both objects to the gallery attendant
3) say “I like swap” and smile really big for the camera
4) tell a friend and swap again
An installation and performance artist, Sotak is a storyteller whose work is narrated through the use of symbolic colors, iconic objects, cultural references and historical allusions. She received a B.F.A. from the University of Arizona and an M.F.A. from San Jose State University. Her work has been exhibited throughout the United States.
She will be present, along with student collaborators, for the opening reception of ”I Like Swap” from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 20.