Ishibashi Faculty Exhibition

Evaluating the deeper meaning behind the artwork of Middlesex faculty members

Painting by Ken Whitlock

This past week, the Ishibashi Gallery opened once again, this time displaying artwork from the Middlesex faculty. For example, Roan Callahan created a series with a friend in which a conflict sparked their collaboration. When Mr. Callahan was in high school, he and a friend were the two leading artists competing for a spot in a competition. The school's art teacher, understanding both artists were equally capable, proposed a collaborative piece. They accepted the idea, and their work ended up succeeding in the competition, prompting years of friendship, and continuing to impact Mr. Callahan today, as he displayed one of their collaborative pieces in the Ishibashi Gallery. This group of four pieces has environmental implications, as Mr. Callahan utilizes the beauty of nature in all four of the paintings, titling them "Bridge," "Atlas Hands," "River Stucks," and "Born in Water." Mr. Callahan took his series of photographs at night; however, they appear bright due to exposure, denoting the theory of a “shadow self” that alludes to the parts of ourselves we choose not to express or the hidden intricacies of nature. Roan Callahan's exploration of the shadow self invites viewers to reflect on their hidden complexities and serves as a reminder of the connection between humanity and the environment. Through his art, he prompts us to consider the intricate relationship between self-expression, collaboration, and the natural world, inspiring appreciation for the beauty surrounding us.

Stacey McCarthy, The Head of the Art Department and another participating art teacher, also has a portfolio of her own, crafted with communicative intent and personal flare. One of her two pieces shown in this gallery, "Other People's Gardens," mixes colors to create a floral appearance, and the blank space in her work gives the viewer the freedom to interpret the painting themselves, giving the onlooker an active role in her art through the charging of blank space. She also used her profound conversations with her advisees to craft her artwork, using color to convey her emotions. The name of those works, "So Much Depends," likely highlights the importance of educating the impressionable youth of Middlesex; through these pieces, she recognizes her own guidance in helping her advisees and students thrive in life. Through her artwork, Stacey McCarthy demonstrates devotion with deliberation, attention to detail, and awareness, choosing pieces that cater to her intended audience: children who need guidance. Her art conveys the transformative power of mentorship and the importance of fostering creativity within the educational environment. 

The exhibit's participants are not only art teachers but also non-artist faculty members. For example, Dean of Students Jason Sport contributed to the exhibit’s theme of nature with his Dwarf Spotted Rasboras. This fluorescent redfish brings a certain liveliness to the artwork. Despite his lack of artistic experience compared to other participants, Mr. Sport brought a cup he made in high school pottery class, finding a meaningful connection to the exhibit by reinforcing the theme of life and his passion for aquatic life.

 Middlesex shines when the beauty of the natural world ties with human expression, offering a space for reflection on the connection of all living things; Ishibashi exhibit serves as a gathering place for the Middlesex community to celebrate a shared appreciation for art, nature, creativity, and life. 

Nik Rizvi