February 21, 2023
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy Photos submitted
The Shafer Art Gallery will unveil its next exhibit “Ethereality,” by Hoisington artist Rodney Wood with a reception at 6:30 p.m. March 3, featuring a short artist talk, comments by the director, and light refreshments. Admission is free.
Shafer Gallery Director Dave Barnes said Wood’s collection of “Magic Realism” paintings will captivate gallery-goers.
“One of the most exciting days of my career here at the Shafer Gallery was the day Rodney Wood walked through the doors,” he said. “He is a world-class Magic Realist artist who now resides in Hoisington. Most recently, Rodney was the curator/director of an award-winning art car museum in Trinidad, Colo. His work has been highlighted in numerous publications and television documentaries. He brings to this exhibit an unmatched professionalism, which is evidenced in images ranging from the magically surreal to the macabre. It includes examples of Wood’s painting, printmaking, assemblage, and photographic sophistication. My only regret is that we weren’t the very first to introduce Wood and his work to the Kansas art scene. The exhibit is sure to intrigue and engage every visitor to the Shafer Gallery. It is also a lot of fun.”
Wood is a Colorado native who, for years, followed his nomadic spirit by living around the western United States. As an artist, educator, arts advocate & activist, he has worn many hats. His long-held passions have been focused on making art and an incurable desire to encourage others to do so as well. He has taught art at all levels within various environments and disciplines. Having served on numerous art-based boards and steering committees, his devotion to the arts has been a lifelong endeavor. He said the exhibit is meant to be a summation of his artistic endeavors throughout his career.
“You will see a variety of pieces in real-time and also digital projections of past creations,” he said. “The link between my diverse media usage is the content and, if you will, heart of my work. The Magic Realism style of my paintings includes the use of symbolism and allegory found in my earlier work. I have always had a leaning toward romantic/emotional art expression as opposed to classic/intellectual academic categorization. I seek to create work that encourages participation from viewers. I strive to spark curiosity as well as emotional responses to my work. My goal is to create imagery that compels reactions that touch one’s mind, heart, and ideally, soul. I deeply appreciate when my work elicits viewers to express their interpretation or feelings rather than they ‘get what I am trying to express.’ My hope is that my work goes beyond technique, time, and intellectual academic assessment.”
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.