Lauren Howard, Auburn art instructor, held an opening reception for her solo art exhibition Friday, May 22, at Fieldwork Projects from 5-7 p.m.
Howard spent most of her life living in the south and loving art.
After grad school Howard moved to New York where she spent her time on a teaching hiatus working on her art. She returned to Auburn to be with family and get back to teaching.
Howard said this is her first solo art exhibition since returning to the south.
"All of my art in New York was about the south, and people there were so intrigued by its craziness," Howard said. "So coming here and showing my art about the south in the south is something that makes this show special."
Howard said there isn't a specific theme for her exhibition.
"The art work reflects growing up in the south, and the animals throughout the gallery are indigenous to southeastern Alabama and gender roles," Howard said.
Howard also said she was raised a southern baptist, so the art has religious context.
She said although it is about being raised in the south, the gallery reflects how chaos is built and how it goes along with life.
Jessye McDowell, an assistant professor, exhibition and lecture coordinator, also commented on Howard's art-making practice by saying how rooted in the south it is, but more specifically she mentioned its "dark southern sensibility."
Ellen Klinger, a student of Howard's for two different classes, said her professor's art work is fascinating.
"I love how she makes this work, because it is kind of controversial, and it doesn't click with everyone, but she does it anyways," Klinger said. "It is very daring because instead of trying to please everyone, she does what she feels is right."
Klinger also encouraged people to come see the exhibition.
"It's an interesting and compelling show of installation work that Auburn does not see the likes of very often, and thats the honest truth," Klinger said.
Klinger wasn't the only one that thought highly of Howard's work.
Chandler Jones, a regular at art exhibitions and receptions, said he had never seen an exhibition like this, but he was a huge fan of her style.
McDowell encouraged people to come see the exhibition.
"Whether you love art or you are just strolling by, its genuinely such a good show that you would enjoy it," McDowell said.
The exhibit will be open until Saturday, July 4th at Fieldwork Projects.
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