In this moment in history where we are forced to grapple with the human impact on the environment, it makes sense that artists would create work in response to  nature and the legacy of the objects that society creates.

Importantly, the materials we choose to use in everyday life can have different lasting meanings, depending on life experiences and culture. 

“Material Reckoning” is a visually impactful and dynamic exhibit on view through Dec. 15 in the Emily Davis Gallery at Myers School of Art at the University of Akron. Visiting artist Sheila Pepe invited two former students, Rina Dweck and Jamele Wright Sr., as well as Cleveland artist Lauren Yeager  “to investigate the use of found objects and materials that explore how what we make and leave behind defines us.”

The resulting exhibit is a material tour de force that is full of deep conceptual meaning. It is displayed in such a thoughtful way that patrons are given space to contemplate the works, which are full of color, movement and visual complexity.

Pepe is best known for crocheting large-scale, ephemeral installations and sculptures made from domestic and industrial materials. In this exhibit, Pepe has included drawings that explore the “global genealogy of culture that resides in this hemisphere.” Presented as stand-alone objects, the drawings give insight into Pepe’s practice.

A large crochet piece of Pepe’s is included. Visitors are invited to “continue the line” with material that is housed in a well-loved-looking cooler. The yarn is quite large and sculptural and is reminiscent of the work for which Pepe is best known. It hangs from the ceiling and connects to one wall as well as the floor. Because of the way the material is crocheted, it has an organic form that feels reminiscent of something that is alive or somehow pulled from the archaeological record.

Atlanta artist Jamele Wright Sr. makes some of the most striking works included in the exhibit. Using Dutch wax cloth and Georgia clay, Wright creates large works that have a sense of energy and movement while telling a story.

“Reborn #5” is a strong example of the artist's work. At over 7 feet high by 5 feet wide, this brightly colored work commands the eye. The bright qualities of Dutch wax cloth are muted somewhat by the artist's choice to rub Georgia clay into the cloth. It gives the work more depth and also helps to create a connection and a story to a place like Atlanta. The artist moved to Georgia at age 22 after growing up in Dayton.

Dweck is a Brooklyn artist whose work is informed by her experience as a woman raised in a Middle Eastern, Orthodox Jewish enclave. Using found objects and hair,  Dweck explores ideas of femininity, identity and Judaism. The pieces use intense colors and everyday objects that help draw the eye. 

“Sinner II” is a wall piece that uses assorted hosiery, synthetic hair, polyester fiberfill, soil, lace, lace ribbon, macramé decals, thread, rubber bands and beading. This work feels full of a special narrative the more you spend time looking at it.

Almost like a pictographic language that has multiple meanings for each letter, the story being shared here goes far deeper than first glance. The use of hair and hosiery creates a familiar, human quality that is uncomfortable to view because your eye keeps looking for a fully realized representation of a human form that never happens. Instead, we are left with the ideas of human elements like hair and hosiery and in the end that helps intensify what the artist is working to communicate.

At first glance, Lauren Yeager’s work may seem to be almost too different from the other artists in the exhibit. However, Yeager’s use of found materials like buckets, cooler lids, concrete pieces and plastic pots help tie her to the other artists. Yeager’s sculptures help create a visual “pause” because of a slightly more muted palette and because of how the majority of work stands out into space away from the wall.

“38 Buckets” is a stack of 5-gallon buckets ranging in color from dark brown, orange, yellow and white. The fact that these are all found objects, and therefore used, helps to mute the color palette and makes the work more sculptural and full of potential meaning. 

“Material Reckoning” is a great example of the quality research happening at the University of Akron. Through the strength of a visiting artist program, this exhibit is able to share the research happening in artists’ studios from around the country. It’s well worth seeing.

Contact Anderson Turner at haturner3@gmail.com.

Artists: Rina Dweck, Shelia Pepe, Jamele Wright Sr., Lauren Yeager

Place: Emily Davis Gallery, Myers School of Art, the University of Akron,  150 E. Exchange St., Akron

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through Dec. 15

More info: https://www.uakron.edu/art/ or 330-972-6030