University Communications and Marketing
Three-dimensional Contemplation on Contemporary Existence on display at MSUB
September 25, 2012
Contacts:
Dr. Leanne Gilbertson, Northcutt Steele Gallery, 657-2903
Dan Carter, University Relations, 657-2269
The ceramic art of Benjie Hue will be on display at Northcutt Steele Gallery at MSU Billings from Oct. 11 to Nov. 8.
‘Story Time’ exhibit by ceramic artist Benjie Hue opens Oct. 11 with free lecture and reception
MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Northcutt Steele Gallery at Montana State University Billings will host an exhibit of ceramic art by artist Benjie Heu from Oct. 11 to Nov. 8. Titled “Story Time,” the exhibition highlights Heu’s technical mastery and imaginative scope in a series of fanciful wall pieces and free-standing sculptures arranged in narrative vignettes. The exhibition is Heu’s first solo show in Montana.
A free lecture is set for Thursday, Oct. 11 at 4 p.m. in Liberal Arts Building Room 405 and an artist reception will be held following the lecture from 5-7 p.m. at the gallery. Both the talk and reception are free and open to the public.
Heu is a professor of ceramics at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He has an active exhibition record of solo, group, juried and invitational exhibitions and his work is included in a number of private and institutional collections across the United States. He received his MFA from Ohio University in 1998. During his stay at MSU Billings, Heu will present an artist workshop for students introducing them to his techniques and conceptual approach.
Through his art, Heu explores the nature of personal identity in a 21st century visual culture littered with avatars and anti-heroes occupying a digital landscape beyond the traditional, lived horizon. Creating work with this reality as a backdrop, Heu fabricates an alternate persona in three-dimensions — a “hero” who battles the obstacles and limits of contemporary existence. His “hero” races against time and aging, fights the frustrations of real, embodied relationships, and attempts to remedy the inevitable losses of what is cherished. Resembling scarred and marred toys, Heu’s figures journey across a post-apocalyptic landscape seeking truth and enlightenment. While his installations contain an element of horror and absurdity, his work is filled with a healthy dose of humor and expresses a tender empathy for our shared human plights, hopes, dreams, and desires.
Northcutt Steele Gallery is located on the first floor of the Liberal Arts Building at the MSU Billings university campus between Poly Drive and Rimrock Road. It is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5pm. For more information visit: www.msubillings.edu/gallery find the gallery on facebook.com/northcuttsteelegallery or contact Dr. Leanne Gilbertson, gallery director, at 657-2903 or at leanne.gilbertson@msubillings.edu.
