The Newman University Steckline Gallery will present “Nothing Good will Happen Here” by artist Bob Burdette as the second show of its 2012-2013 season. The exhibit of paintings, which begins with a Final Friday reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 28, will be on display through Oct. 19. Both the reception and admission to the gallery are free and open to the public.
An “Art for Lunch” presentation by Burdette will be held Tuesday, Oct. 2 from noon to 1 p.m. in the gallery. A light lunch will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests can also bring their lunch. This event is also free and reservations are not required.
Burdette was born in Heidelberg, West Germany in 1973, and now lives in Wichita. He attended Columbus College of Art and Design and earned his BFA in sculpture from Memphis College of Art. He works primarily in painting and sculpture. His works have been exhibited in several galleries in Wichita, Chicago, Ill., San Francisco, Calif., New York City, Seattle, Wash., and other major cities.
Burdette said he creates his art based on influences, and grows and exists in a complex world of influences and reoccurring patterns. He uses images and ideas that come directly from advertising and entertainment, focusing primarily on outdated print advertisements. He also draws from his childhood comic book collection because it contains the origins of many things that have influenced and shaped his life. His work is characterized by a “cut and paste” effect that mimics the comics and advertisements of the past. His images of men and women also suggest that they are products manufactured by today’s consumer society.
“I am working toward understanding where I have come from and how I relate to others who share many of the same ideas and influences,” said Burdette. “I question the extent to which we have become products through our own consumption.”
The Steckline Gallery is located inside the De Mattias Fine Arts Center on the Newman campus, 3100 McCormick. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment. For more information, call 316-942-4291, ext. 2199.