Two art shows open in Memorial Hall

In the Main Gallery, a woodcut of a corn field by Sam Cikauskas spans the entire width of the room. The piece is part of his thought-provoking images about the American food supply and food sources.

Cikauskas said in contrast to his earlier work, which addressed the issues of American junk food, this new series focuses on promoting local vegetables.

“I hope to entice the viewer with the captivating line work of my relief prints, ultimately persuading them to eat healthier foods. My work is inspired by concerns I have with contemporary society. I address the modern food and agricultural system in the United States, exploring timely topics such as factory farming and genetic modification. My goal is to raise awareness while constructively criticizing social issues,” he said in his artist’s statement.

He is a graduate candidate and part-time instructor in printmaking at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He is also a volunteer at community gardens and supports farmers in his community of Boulder. He has exhibited nationally and internationally. His work is held in permanent collections located in Limerick, Ireland, and Gippsland, Australia; and in The United Arab Emirates.

In Gallery 239, the work of Chris Blume, a native of the western suburbs of Chicago, offers a critique of the human condition and the possible dystopian results. His work shows the collision of two worlds colliding through the fusion of past technology and futuristic iconography.

“The imagery in my recent project includes steam-powered time traveling viewing devices, recovered shields from battles once to be fought, and those who will empower themselves over the population. As I peer into a dystopian future I use drawing, printmaking, painting, and mixed media as my vehicle to express social-political issues I foresee. The reoccurring subject matter of religion, technology, and nature parallels the issues we face today,” Blume said in his artist’s statement.

His creativity spans his roles as students, artist, printer and educator. His work can be seen in private and public collections in the U.S. and internationally.

—CSC College Relations