Sullivan’s Artwork Explores Human Form Aug. 29-Oct. 19
CHICKASHA – While many artists would see a physical impairment as a disability, Tim Sullivan exploits it: he’s dyslexic. Beginning Aug. 29, the international exhibitor and award-winning artist will display his original prints and ceramics at the University of Science and Arts.
“My perceptions are filtered through my dyslexia,” Sullivan said. “Being dyslexic, I perceive form in unique ways. It is my hope that these Rorschach-like images transcend form and create unique spiritual meaning for the individual viewer.”
A Norman resident, Sullivan specializes in repetitive human figures in his prints.
“I take photographic negatives of different configurations of the male figure and I superimpose these negatives over reversed images,” he said. “Using repetitive patterns, this compilation of images is used to create the background of my work. Then, I juxtapose a main image over my background.”
An opening reception is scheduled for Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. in the USAO Art Gallery. His exhibit will remain on display through Oct. 19.
Since 1987, Sullivan’s work has been displayed in more than 80 international exhibitions, has earned nine awards in competitions and has been published in Oklahoma Today and university publications in Oklahoma and Texas. Sullivan earned his bachelor’s degree in art from the University of Oklahoma, a master of art degree and a master of fine art degree from the University of Dallas at Irving.
He spent four years teaching at North Lake College in Irving, Texas, where teaching courses took him overseas to Rome. Over the past year, he held a one-year appointment as an assistant professor of art at USAO.
To Sullivan, his artwork is a reflection of man’s obsession with his own image.
“Beginning with Cro-Magnon proto-men, who sketched spiritual drawings of themselves on the walls of caves in southern France, the human form has become the focus for artistic expression,” he said.
“It is my intention to capture the essence of three dimensional movement frozen in time on a two dimensional surface. For me, these abstracted interpretations of the male nude strive for spiritual intentions. I use color to accentuate specific areas of the human images.”
The results are multi-layered depictions of original, color-saturated body shapes. Arms, torsos, legs and hands reach out like mirror-image inkblots and painted stencils. Arching bodies and posed limbs create new kaleidoscope-like images frozen still.
“In my work, I strive to give these abstracted human forms a spiritual presence,” Sullivan said.
When it comes to Sullivan, a case of dyslexia may be just what it takes to achieve that higher ground.
The USAO Art Gallery is located in Davis Hall on 17th Street in Chickasha and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The gallery is free and open to the public.
More information about the gallery is available online at www.usao.edu/gallery.
PHOTO CUTLINE
Beginning Aug. 29, international exhibitor and award-winning artist Tim Sullivan reveals mankind’s fascination with his own image in a display of abstract artwork at the USAO Art Gallery. Visitors can meet Sullivan at the opening reception at 7 p.m. in the gallery. His exhibit will remain on display through Oct. 19.
NEWS RELEASE August 27, 2007
UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND ARTS OF OKLAHOMA - CHICKASHA
CONTACT MICHAEL BENDURE, News Bureau, 405-574-1362, mbendure@usao.edu
RANDY TALLEY: Public Relations, 405-574-1337, rtalley@usao.edu
FAX: 405-574-1377
