The Purdue University North Central Odyssey Arts and Cultural Events Series will feature an exhibit of paintings and small bronze works by Preston Jackson titled, "Images from the Closet Trunk." The exhibit runs from Aug. 26, 2013 through May 31, 2014 in the PNC Library-Student-Faculty Building, Room 02 in the building's lower level. It is free and is open to the public and may be viewed by appointment only.
Jackson's work reflects a personal look at history as an examination of life in the United States, particularly the South, from slavery on. He intends for his work to preserve cultural history and illuminate attitudes within and outside the African American community.
"As an artist, I attempt to create faces we can look into, to create physical beings that we can examine as well as surface renderings which cause us to understand the effects of animalistic treatment toward other human beings," explains Jackson. "I feel this is precious history. I create these pieces using bronze as a metaphor, it being a semi-precious metal. The narratives which accompany each sculpture are a type of historical fiction, drawn from research as well as from family memoirs."
A noted Chicago artist, Jackson created the sculptures Haints + History and Travels of My Seven Sisters on display on the PNC campus as part of its large-scale Odyssey sculpture series.
He was chosen a Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, the highest honor given to individuals in the State. He is professor emeritus of sculpture at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. As a storyteller and an artist, he explains that his artwork delivers information about "who we are, where we came from and where we are headed."
Jackson is trained in the field of metal fabrication, both steel and foundry cast metals, as well as in painting. The materials used most often in his pieces are cast bronze, steel, and stainless steel. His work tends to be narrative in nature, with emphasis on relating the details and personalities of our past.
Preston was awarded a Regional Emmy for hosting "Legacy in Bronze" a television show featuring his Julieanne's Garden sculptures.
Jackson will give a personal tour of this exhibit as well as his outdoor sculptures on October 19 at 3:30 p.m. The Odyssey 15 Opening and Reception will follow beginning at 5 p.m.
To schedule an appointment to view this exhibit or to obtain further information, contact Judy Jacobi, PNC assistant vice chancellor of Marketing and Campus Relations, at 785-5200, ext. 5593. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Jacobi.
