Subvertisements at Wignall discovers art in commercialism

As you enter the Wignall Museum, a sense of familiarity occupies your mind while you are bombarded by a space rich with controversy.

The gallery is temporarily home to the traveling exhibition Subvertisements. Curated by the Center for the Study of Political Graphics, the exhibition sets out to fashion awareness of both past and current issues in our culture.

The art works contrast the meaning of original works of art versus appropriated works of art. The art works' appropriation of popular logos, advertisements and famous works of art are used as a tool in conveying their message.

"The logo usage becomes more accessible to the viewer. It may also act as a segway to master artists," Rebecca Trawick, Wignall's Assistant Curator, says. "Humor is another important tool used so the images are more palatable," Trawick adds.

Humor cuts the edginess off of the many other heart wrenching, very serious works in the show. It contributes to the balance in an exhibition loaded with diversity.

Powerful works such as the iRaq images become more powerful when juxtaposing the seriousness of war and the luxury of living in a consumer driven society full of iPods.

Referencing iPod advertisements becomes vital to the piece because it creates a new way of providing compelling information to the public in relation to daily lives.

Other art works, such as Cancer Sticks and AIDS Crisis, address issues on a more local or personal level. Both images mimic cigarette ads and question the product's relationship to its buyer.

The exhibition is jam-packed with an array of other issues such as presidential scandals, human rights, drugs and prescriptions, animal cruelty, propaganda, globalization and more.

The intent of the images will force you to reflect your actions as a citizen, but more importantly as a human. Works are gathered from around the world and cover decades of time yet they share the same goal to create a conscious awareness to any and all.

Be prepared to doubt, discover, gasp and giggle.

For more information about the Center for the Study of Political Graphics go online to www.politicalgraphics.org.

Subvertisements will be available Aug. 27- Sept. 29 at the Chaffey College Wignall Museum. Don't miss the opening reception and Diversity Celebration.

Light refreshments and music by DJ Patrick Miller will be provided, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 4-6 p.m. on the Wignall Museum Patio.