June 27, 2023
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy Photos submitted
The Shafer Art Gallery will unveil its next exhibit “Reclaimed Creations,” by Sayaka Ganz, with a reception at 6:30 p.m. July 7, featuring a screening of a video about the artist, comments by the director, and light refreshments. The exhibit runs through August 12. Admission is free.
Gallery Director Dave Barnes said Ganz creates animals and sea fauna using reclaimed plastic objects. These castoffs are used like brush strokes. She describes her style as “3D impressionism.” Sculptures in the exhibition include animals in motion which are rich in color and energy and create an illusion of realistic form.
“We have been waiting for this exhibit a couple of years now and are very excited to finally be able to share it with our Barton County patrons,” he said. “We love to show work that appeals to everyone, and this exhibit is delightful. It is a must-see summer visit for the whole family.”
Ganz was born in Yokohama, Japan and grew up living in Japan, Brazil, and Hong Kong. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a master of fine arts degree in sculpture from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Ganz was the subject of a video entitled “SAYAKA GANZ: Danz Della Natura,” which was produced by the Hermann Geiger Foundation and is available here.
“My work is about perceiving harmony, even in situations that appear chaotic from the inside,” she said. “When observing my sculptures up close, one might see gaps, holes, and items being held on only by small points; step away, however, and the sculptures reveal the harmony created when the objects are aligned to the same general (but not identical) direction. Similarly, it is important to gain perspective by stepping back from current problems and looking at the larger picture. Then one can perceive the beauty and patterns that exist.”
The Shafer Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. For more information, contact Barnes at barnesd@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9342.
The Tour of Sayaka Ganz Reclaimed Creations is produced by David J. Wagner, L.L.C., David J. Wagner, Ph.D., Curator/Tour Director.