1780 – The Official Blog of Transylvania University

1780 | The Official Blog of Transylvania University

Transylvania’s Morlan Gallery to feature renowned data visualization artists Jan. 16-Feb. 19

The upcoming “Data, Mine” exhibition at Transylvania University’s Morlan Gallery will offer artistic takes on an issue seemingly ripped from today’s headlines: What’s to do with all that information computers dig up on us? Running Jan. 16 to Feb. 19, the show will feature the works of nationally renowned data visualization artists Hasan Elahi and Laurie Frick. Elahi, who is a University of Maryland art professor, started an elaborate project in self-surveillance in the early 2000s when he was mistakenly put on a terrorist watch list. His work examines issues of surveillance, citizenship, migration, transport and challenges of borders and frontiers. Frick, an artist with a business background, anticipates the future of data and envisions a time when personal data is a unique glimpse into our hidden personality. She is currently mining data from the OkCupid dating site to create visual patterns helping people to better understand one another. The exhibition is part of Transylvania’s New Frontiers feature event series, which asks the public to go beyond the familiar and explore ideas, art and music. Elahi and Frick will visit Transylvania on Thursday, Jan. 24, for a free lecture titled “You’re Being Followed: A Discussion about Data Prediction, Privacy, and Digital Tracking.” Emily Goodman, a Transylvania assistant professor of art history, will moderate the conversation beginning at 6 p.m. in Carrick Theater. A reception for the artists will follow in Morlan Gallery. Coinciding with the “Data, Mine” exhibition, Transylvania’s Creative

Transylvania Juried Student Art Exhibition to open May 4

LEXINGTON, Ky.—Transylvania University’s annual Juried Student Art Exhibition will showcase standout student artworks in a variety of media—from fiber to digital—in Morlan Gallery from May 4-18. An unprecedented number of students submitted works for the first round of jurying by the art faculty and gallery director. Prizes will be awarded in “best of” categories during the second stage of jurying in the first week of May. Specific honors include the Dean’s Purchase Award, which recognizes superior student artists by creating a permanent collection of works for the university. Laura Bryan, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the university, will continue this tradition. Another recognition, the Nana Lampton Prize, is given to a senior for creative vision, strong work ethic and natural leadership. The award was named in honor of Nana Lampton, who is a visual artist, poet, philanthropist and business leader. For first time, an Abbott Scholarship will be presented during the Juried Student Art Exhibition. This annual award will be given to a rising junior or senior who demonstrates studio and scholarly excellence. The scholarship was established in memory of Mildred and Harold Abbott, both patrons and practitioners in the visual and performing arts. The student exhibition will open Friday, May 4, with a reception from 5-7 p.m. and an awards presentation at 6. The final evening for the exhibition will be Friday, May 18, during the LexArts Gallery HOP. Morlan Gallery, located on the main level of Transylvania’s