Ramapo Magazine

Alumni Art Showcased

"If you were to bottle the excitement of all of the exhibitors, you could have run a rocketship." That is how Sydney Jenkins, art gallery director, Angelica and Russ Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts, describes the feeling at the alumni art show called Alumni Redux 1. Held in the Kresge and Pascal art galleries of the Berrie Center, this first-time summer exhibit -- partially funded by the Ramapo College Foundation -- showcased alumni who have produced varied and accomplished works of art. The faculty-nominated group included Mauro Altamura '76, Chris Twomey '76, Tom McGlynn '80, and José Hernández '98. These four artists revealed colorful abstract paintings, mixed media pieces enhanced by computer technology, images of babies, and a variety of other works.

José Hernández '98 with two of his works,
"Fish Found Dead" (left ) and
"Landscape with water & Fire" (right)

The alumni exhibitors were especially excited to have been chosen for this opening series. With many of these artists having had such a positive experience as an undergraduate, they were very honored to have their artwork critiqued by the Ramapo College community. "Ramapo gave me confidence in myself and I am glad to be back showing my artwork," says Twomey. "As an undergraduate, I was constantly challenged while spending many hours in the sculpture studio. My undergraduate work provided me with a broad basis to express ideas, write papers, and develop relationships. This is all a part of being a global network." Twomey's work is executed using a combination of computer photo manipulation and hand painting with acrylics. The work in this show consisted of colorful images of babies in a grid format and in a wall and floor installation.

Photographer Altamura's work was represented in the exhibit in mostly black and white, with individual photos grouped into wall installations. "The Last Night on Earth," a major piece is cryptic, with various scenes. He frequently depicts dream imagery and analysis.

McGlynn, whose work has graced the cover of ARTFORUM and has been featured in articles in New York Magazine, exhibited large, colorful, abstract paintings in the show. He is represented in the collections of Whitney, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Smithsonian.

"The Art Gallery should be a place welcoming for all students to visit and feel comfortable during entire year..."

Hernández' photographs explore the energy produced by currents of water. He reinterprets the experience by physical and direct manipulations, making use of computer technology. Hernández praises Professor David Freund for his interesting, motivational and informative teaching style. "He brought something special out of students which was inspirational. I am also very honored to be showing my artwork in such a great building and working with such a knowledgeable and professional art director such as Sydney Jenkins."

In fact, it was a conversation between Freund and Jenkins that prompted Alumni Redux 1. The Visual Arts Convening Group never hosted an alumni exhibition before, but with a new facility the group wanted to increase campus shows. Plus, alumni exhibitions allow current students to view the achievements of graduates who went on to successful careers in visual arts. As Jenkins states, "It is sometimes difficult to find real-life examples which provide encouragement for entering careers in the arts. This exhibition series will highlight those who have continued on after Ramapo to make significant contributions to the field."

This show -- part one in a three part series extending over the next four years -- was a unique representation focusing on New Jersey artists. Jenkins has a strong commitment to make Ramapo College known to the art world. With artists such as Twomey, who has been featured in major art publications, this exhibition was just one step in furthering Ramapo's reputation.

"The Art Gallery should be a welcoming place for all students to visit and feel comfortable during the entire year," says Jenkins. At the closing reception on September 13, exhibitors were on hand to discuss their artwork in detail. There was not only enough excitement to "run a rocketship," there was enough energy to fuel Ramapo's continuing passion for the arts.