Art staff's talent extends beyond classroom, lab

Their creations are as diverse as their disciplines.

Ben Evans, for example, explores the spectrum of light in his latest painting and the fourth dimension of space in his new sculpture. Steven Simon's sculptures examine the vulnerability and visual brilliance of coral reefs. Then there are the video and drawings of Christopher Bassett which detail the history of two international banking empires across centuries.

What all these talented artists share in common is that they are all staff at the UCLA Department of Art who supervise and manage the various labs where undergraduates and graduates do their work. And the department is sharing its good fortune in having such a fine staff of professional artists by sharing their work with the campus community. An exhibition, "Related Work," showcases the artwork of seven of them in an exhibition that opens Thursday, Sept. 3, at the New Wight Gallery in the Broad Art Center.

"The UCLA Department of Art is the most selective fine arts program in the nation," said Dean Christopher Waterman. "Students from around the world apply for our undergraduate and graduate programs, drawn not only by our world-renowned faculty, but also the rising artistic stars on our staff. 'Related Work' is proof-positive of their extraordinary talent and creative vision."

Said Russell Ferguson, chair of the Department of Art: "Our staff in the art department are absolutely terrific, and it is great for the community to see how excellent their work is. I think that they could all be professors at any other university. We are very fortunate to have them here at UCLA to work with our faculty and students."

Bassett, supervisor in the digital lab, created an installation, titled "Research Archives of the Institute for Mystical Capitalism," from a table, bookcase, chairs, books and photocopies, among other material.

Steven Simon, sculpture lab supervisor, created "Link", the latest of his "sculptural editorials," out of pasta and paint.

"The lab supervisors are comprised primarily of younger, professional artists — many of whom have received their MFAs in the last five years or so," said Matt Lipps, photo lab supervisor whose untitled prints are in the show. "It's my hope that this exhibition will provide inspiration for the art students in a way that can help them visualize a strategy between where they are as young artists and the colossal successes of the faculty who mentor them."
An artist reception will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the New Wight Gallery. The exhibit runs Sept. 3 through Sept. 17. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 12, noon to 6 p.m. It is closed Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day.