One Show, Two Artists: Olin Art Gallery’s Latest Exhibit

By: Alyssa Beckett, Red & Black Contributor

(Courtesy: Regan Carlson) The Olin Art Gallery recently had two artists in the gallery.

NOV. 21 - The Olin Art Gallery recently had two artists in the gallery. The two artists were Hannah Parrett and Britny Wainwright. In this show, the two of them work together to create one show, which is a bit different from past shows. In past shows, one show was seen or the gallery was split into two parts, but never two coming together in the same show. This [joint show] creates a unique environment for the viewer to explore.

I asked both artists “how do you make it, so your own individual ideas come through in a group space?”

Wainwright said “Interior Facsimiles is a partner exhibition, meaning that the work isn't collaborative, but in conversation. In this exhibition, our works support each other's ideas while building on our own studio practices.” Wainwright’s work looks at domestic space, such as items you would find in your home, that carry a feminine culture, and brought these items into a galley setting by changing them.

Wainwright even said, “Cushions become quilted images, and vessels are a stand-in for our bodies. This partner exhibition allowed us to react to and complement each other”. Here she talks a bit about how her pieces come together and change, and how her work in this partner exhibition allowed them to complement each other in building the space.

Parrett’s work comes from a very different background than [that of] Wainwright. Parrett said this about her work and how she thinks it works so well together “… rooted in painting histories that focus on the representation of landscapes and interiors. I think the individuality that comes from the works echoes in how each of us repeats a specific formal or symbolic language of pattern, color, and image in the objects within the space. Within my practice, I recycle a codex of images as a form of language, such as the patterned pine trees, the cowgirl, and most recently these saw-toothed waves that resemble either grass or water.” Here we see her talk about her process and how it compares to Wainwright’s work. She talks about pattern and color, and while walking through the space, these elements truly carried you through.

"She talks about pattern and color, and while walking through the space, these elements truly carried you through."

(Courtesy: Regan Carlson) Olin Art Gallery hosts the artwork of many visiting artists throughout the schoolyear.

Parrett and Wainwright both used this [presenting at the Olin Art Gallery] as an opportunity to open doors and to bring their work together to expand on their own ideas. Parrett said “Our initial proposal focused on conceptual undertones of interior space, and how this might translate in a shared gallery setting between our different practices. I don't think either of us altered our processes too much to fit this idea…”. Here she talks about the proposal they put forth to use gallery space here in Olin. She talks about how they both did not need to change much about their work.

For anyone who is going into the art world, this show was a great eye-opener in how one can work with another to create a joined space. “Why” they both came together, how they built both arts into the same space, and the way Washington and Jefferson helped them by giving them time in the Olin Art gallery is fascinating.

Both Wainwright and Parrett came to W&J to talk on Oct.28. Their joint exhibit was here from Oct.28 to Nov. 20.