Exhibitions at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery offer an accessible entry point into the exciting field of contemporary art. The gallery is an inclusive space and welcomes everyone to discover and enjoy the latest in art today. All events are free and open to the public.
Open Now
Continuum
Laura Anderson
Continuum
September 26 – October 17, 2024
Reception: Thursday, September 26, 5:30 – 8:00pm
The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to present “Continuum” by Springfield-based artist and Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) Professor Laura Anderson. “Continuum” will open on Sept. 26 and run through Oct. 17. A reception for this exhibition will be held at the gallery from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. This event is free and open to the public.
“Continuum” will feature a series of recent works that examine the structural frameworks of the microverse, exploring the interplay between natural and man-made structures. Anderson’s focus on cellular forms, fungi and mycelium serves as both subject and metaphor, revealing the interconnectedness of all living systems.
Natural imagery within the works depicts qualities of growth, decay and regeneration. The pieces combine elements of nature with found objects to reflect the gradual transformation of man-made artifacts back into their organic origins. This synthesis reflects the perpetual cycles of creation and destruction, emergence and dissolution, exploring the underlying structures that sustain life at its smallest scales.
Anderson is an artist, designer and educator whose creative practice is rooted in a lifelong fascination with the complexities of nature. Originally from a small town on Chicago's southeast side, Anderson's passion for art developed alongside a connection to the natural world. This early inspiration has continued to shape her artistic identity, drawing on themes of plant and animal life that consistently inform her creative work.
Anderson earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in fine art from the University of Kansas. Her work has been exhibited both locally and nationally. Anderson’s fascination with design led her to a successful career in graphic design in California, where she contributed to corporate and agency environments while maintaining a thriving freelance business