March 8, 2007

Contact: Richard Gilman-Opalsky, 217/206-8328, rgilm3@uis.edu

SPRINGFIELD -- The University of Illinois at Springfield series Political Art and the Public Sphere continues with "Dangerous Correlations," a look at the work of multimedia artist Matt Schultz, at 6 p.m. Monday, March 26, in Brookens Auditorium, lower level of Brookens Library on the UIS campus. Both the exhibit and the discussion session that follows are free and open to the public.

Much of multimedia artist Matt Schultz' work has a political focus.

Schultz, currently a student in the Visual Arts program at UIS, has a long personal history with multimedia art and as a musician has performed on over 25 CDs. This event will examine some pieces of his artwork that have a political focus.

Series facilitator Richard Gilman-Opalsky, UIS assistant professor of political philosophy, notes, "Matt's presentation will consider the use of symbols in propaganda and some of the frightening ways that iconic propaganda used during World War II resonates with present-day American politics. His work aims to expose, and to provoke thought and discussion about, some of these dangerous correlations.

"Matt's work is jarring and controversial, and is not designed for passive enjoyment," added Gilman-Opalsky. "In fact, passive engagement with Matt's work may be impossible!"

Each month, Political Art and the Public Sphere features a showing or performance of some kind of "political art." "The basic idea is to consider how 'art' raises provocative social and political questions," Gilman-Opalsky said. "Programs are selected in order to generate discussion about enduring questions in political philosophy.

"Public spheres are the places where people come together to communicate, to evaluate, and to circulate ideas and arguments," he added. "In the public sphere, people form a collective political opinion and will. Ultimately and ideally, the public sphere brings the interests and demands of the public to bear on those who hold power."

The University of Illinois at Springfield, one of three U of I campuses, is a small, public liberal arts university that offers 42 degree programs: 21 bachelor’s, 20 master’s, and the Doctorate of Public Administration. UIS has a special mission in public affairs and service and is known for extraordinary internships, a wireless campus, extensive online offerings, and a commitment to teaching.