Positive / Negative Prospectus

 

Positive/Negative 40 National Juried Art Exhibition
February 17 to March 14, 2025, @ Slocumb Galleries, ETSU, Johnson City Juror: Nandini Makrandi, Chief Curator, Hunter Museum of American Art

Reception & Juror's Lecture: March 12, Wednesday, 5 to 7 p.m.,
Slocumb Galleries and Ball Hall Auditorium

 

The Positive/Negative 40 Artists

Daniel Atyim, Amal Azzam, Emma Barlow, Gary Barton, Aaron Bernard, Jenna Casey, Claudia Crisan Calabria, Jack De Graffenried, 
Matthew Derezinski, Virginia Derryberry, Alexander Diaz, 
Morgan Ford Willingham, Maryam Ghasempour Siahgaldeh, 
Victoria Goro-Rapoport, Jason Guynes, Lucy Julia Hale, Frank Hamrick, Jean Hess, Jason John, Anna Kenar, Lisa Klakulak, Brian Kreydatus, 
Lily Martina Lee, Eric Lubrick, Christopher Luper, Beauvais Lyons, 
Lynne Marinelli Ghenov, Pippi Miller, Cindy Morefield, Jeff Murphy, 
Nick Pollok, Nell Ruby, Katie Simmons, Eric Standley, Jeff Stevenson, Steven Subotnick, Ernesto Trujillo, David Underwood, 
Catherine Walker, Sarah Williams

 

Juror's Statement:

Jurying an exhibition is inherently a subjective process, as each person is drawn to different qualities in the works they review. I look for artwork that resonates with the viewer on multiple levels—pieces that connect with us both intellectually and emotionally. I am drawn to artists who are as committed to exploring ideas as they are to mastering technique and form, and ultimately, I look for works that evoke emotion.

The forty artists featured in Positive/Negative 40 present a compelling discourse on the pressing issues of contemporary life. From intricately detailed drawings and collages to layered abstractions, sculptural constructions to video and photography, their works are relevant and engaging, combining personal visions with universal concerns. Themes addressed in this exhibition range from biculturalism and immigration to the inundation by media, the challenges of our aging bodies, environmental change and more. Traditional techniques pushed into experimental and innovative spaces is another hallmark I noted of many submissions.

Most of us who make art, look at art, read about art, and think about art believe in its power to transform our lives.  The pieces in P/N 40 excel in their ability to do just that as they spark critical conversation and reflection.

Choosing the works for this exhibition was a challenging task, and I feel privileged to have been part of the process. I want to congratulate all the artists who entered the exhibition, and especially those whose pieces will be on display. It has been a truly rewarding experience to view our world through your eyes. Thank you for sharing your inspirations and your inner thoughts with us.

Finally, my sincere thanks go to Karlota Contreras-Koterbay and the ETSU Tipton and Slocumb Galleries for their continued dedication to showcasing important and thought-provoking art.

- Nandini Makrandi

 

About the Juror:

Nandini Makrandi has been the Chief Curator of the Hunter Museum since 2013. Prior to becoming Chief Curator, Nandini was the Hunter Museum’s Curator of Contemporary Art for nine years and Associate Professor of Art History at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.  

During her tenure at the Hunter, Nandini has focused on increasing diversity and social justice dialogue within the collection and exhibitions program by broadening and diversifying the museum’s holdings, curating over 90 changing exhibitions, organizing the Hunter’s first seven nationally touring exhibitions, and originating several seminar courses in contemporary art and criticism for the University.  

Before joining the Hunter, Nandini was a curator at the Knoxville Museum of Art for seven years and worked with the Cameron Museum of Art in Wilmington, North Carolina. She participates regularly in the region as a juror, guest curator and speaker, and is a commissioner of Public Art Chattanooga.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

For more information, please email contrera@etsu.edu