The Newman University Steckline Gallery presents graphite and acrylic works by Sean Lyman in his show titled “The Overlooked” as the second Final Friday event of 2017.
The exhibit begins with a Final Friday reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, and will be on display through March 24. Both the reception and admission to the gallery are free and open to the public.
Sean Lyman is from Springfield, Mo., and is an associate professor of art at Missouri State University. His work has been exhibited nationwide and in galleries throughout Germany.
“I have been making art since I was a young child,” Lyman said. “I always took art classes in school as I was growing up. This work that will be in the show has been ongoing since 2013 and 2014. This body of work [The Overlooked] deals with the mundane spaces and objects that we use. These places and things have specific functions or roles in our daily routine, and they are easily overlooked and taken for granted.”
Lyman said that his drawings generally take about two weeks to complete. His favorite piece of art, in particular from “The Overlooked,” is a piece named “Pause.”
It is a drawing of a hooded figure taking a gasping breath.
“This image was one of three that began a transition away from the figure as a subject and to the figure as an implied presence,” he said. “The image calls into question the breath either being taken in or getting ready to be let out. To me, in relation to this body of work, it is representative to the notion of change that is inevitable based on the experiences we as individuals take part in daily.
“The intention of this work is to focus on that we are both ‘present’ and ‘absent’ at the same time in the spaces we inhabit,” Lyman explained further about his work in the exhibit.
Lyman believes that “art is communication. It is a visual language that is open to all people. I find it is a way for me to be subtle and quiet in how I describe what I see around myself.
“Challenge what you see and believe daily. Taking risks in making work is one of the most important responsibilities that artists have. Never be afraid to ask questions. And always remember to listen. Some of the most important realizations occur during moments of silence.”
