Students create art installations around campus

New public art installations appeared across campus today and will remain on display through Friday.

Led by artist and faculty member Berglind Hlynsdottir, IU art students have collaborated on seven pieces displayed at the Herman B Wells Library, Indiana Memorial Union, Kelley School of Business and outdoor spaces on campus.

“Public spaces can be used in so many ways,” Hlynsdottir said. “Often, people don’t think of using them in other ways. These kinds of projects will only bring something better to the space.”

Inspired by public art of other contemporary artists, the pieces are intended to deal with issues of human relationships and states of mind, according to a press release.

Students created their installations, which range in size and complexity, based on personal interests and talents.

The installations are a class project for the Special Topics in Studio Art course Hlynsdottir teaches, “Perspective and Public Space.” She said students proposed and organized ideas for the installations on their own.

Senior Maria Tancredi placed cards with a blog URL for students to find in 300 books at the library.

When students find the cards, they are encouraged to report it to the blog.

Laura Foreman created projects with colorful butterflies in the library, while Kyle Thornton chose to install a scene in a library elevator.

Public art installations placed in typically private, quiet or isolated spaces are intended to create a juxtaposition, according to a press release.

Evelyn Walker, Liz Scofield and Maria Konermann have created a collaborative installation in the IMU Biddle Hotel.

Konermann installed mirrors in the space. Scofield, an MFA candidate in digital art, created “ambient music” and “light alternations” for the installation, according to a press release.

Puppets operated by Walker will behave as humans and objects.

Near the IMU’s information desk, MFA candidate in textiles Alysha Kempfurer will hand-mend participants’ clothing in need of repair.

Outdoors, Christopher Souers’ installation will highlight the interaction between students and squirrels on campus.

“Posters of several squirrels within this environment will give the viewer the opportunity to wonder and maybe laugh about simply how many squirrels there are and why these posters are on display,” Souers said in a press release.

Hlynsdottir said she wanted her students to understand that art can take place outside of traditional locations and mediums.

“What I was interested in is they see the possibilities, because they are endless,” Hlynsdottir said. “You won’t ever figure it out if you don’t try it.”

— Kate Thacker