The University of Rhode Island’s Providence Campus Arts and Culture Program has assembled a virtual and in-person gallery of work by local artists entitled “SPEAKING OUT – A CALL TO ACTION: The Art Of Protest – Agents of Change in Rhode Island!”
This exhibit’s work comes from an array of mediums which speak to subjects including racism, sexism, mental health, gender bias, economic inequality and other civic issues.
Steven Pennell is the coordinator of the Arts and Culture Program at URI. He pioneered the development of this exhibition and believes that the artwork is powerful enough to spark change within the community.
“This is not just about making pretty pictures, but [the artists’] art is used as art always has been,” he said. “To educate, sometimes to [provide] insight, to make people think and respond and to create a dialogue with people.”
To honor frontline workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic, the exhibit opens with three guardian angel sculptures which hold the seals of caduceus, a symbol worn by medical professionals.
Interactive works of art contributed by Leo Selvaggio address contemporary politics as well as the shift towards bystander apathy in the United States. One of his posters offers a QR code to demand action for politicians to make an impact, entitled “Apologize to America.” Selvaggio also constructed wearable iPhone holders intended to be worn at protests and other civic action events.
Photographer Don Mays captured images for Black Lives Matter events held in Rhode Island, depicting an influx of young citizens standing up for race equality. Additional digital artwork can be seen picturing Black victims of police brutality, such as Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, who were killed by law enforcement officers.
Mark Wholey, a featured artist in the gallery contributed numerous works of art to the exhibition and recognizes the benefits of showcasing art to the public. He believes that discussing controversial issues through art is important so that these subjects can be brought into the spotlight.
“I think it’s a responsibility that artists have to use their talent in ways to relate to society, and see how you apply your talent to the things that you find wrong with society,” Woley said.
Other artists whose work is featured in this gallery include, but are not limited to Anthoyn Tomaselli, Kelly Brown, Dianne Reilly and Susan Garland, who also supplied artwork created by students at The Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex in Providence.
Issues of political polarity and the resulting prejudice in America take the spotlight throughout this exhibit. Some of the other series portrays difficulties faced by the LGBTQ+ community, women’s rights and environmental challenges of our time.
The theme of solidarity hits home throughout the exhibition. Each work of art inspires viewers to enact a change for the betterment of their community. Through their magnificent art, these creators encourage others to speak out and insight peace in the lives of all Rhode Islanders.
The exhibit also features a filmed performance of “OUR STORY // OUR SONG,” a musical presentation by The Wilbury Theatre Group capturing what it means to be Black in America. The two featured artists of this performance are Christopher Johnson and Big Lux.
Typically, these galleries are widely open to the public, receiving a lot of foot traffic from Providence locals. Due to COVID-19, the activity has dwindled, yet Pennell encourages people to attend the exhibit and is confident that the message is still being spread.
To visit this exhibit in person, visit the URI Providence Campus Gallery located at 80 Washington Street. Tours are held on Thursdays and Fridays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Due to COVID-19 protocols, all viewers must wear masks and remain socially distanced from others.