Artist invites students to mark on his art

Valley College welcomed Artist Karl Burkeimer during artist talk followed by a semester-long project art exhibit.

By Monserrat Solis, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Portland-based artist and educator Karl Burkheimer introduced his new project “Tautline”, an interactive installation, this week at Valley College’s Art Gallery.

Burkheimer presented his new project at an artist talk held in the art department on Sept. 14. The semester-long exhibit will showcase a collaborative art movement with the students in the art department: a reaction art piece created through Burkheimer’s love of architecture, design and the ordinary.

“Today these pieces are mine but as the months go on, they will be less and less mine,” said Burkheimer on the opening of “Tautline”.

The first phase of the project starts with Burkheimer building the drywall billboards, then inviting students to mark the walls. This causes a reaction from Burkheimer who “buffs” over the marks, an artistic term for covering graffiti or street art. Most buffing is described as “eyesores” and is a technique used to cover unwanted art. In this case, Burkheimer uses buffing to create an interactive and unique art piece.

Students from the 2D art class at Valley will be invited to mark on the billboards hung by the artist along with a couple of high school students, they will focus on marking with wheat paste which is used in street art and on billboards. The installation will be different every day, that is the beauty in the react art.

Through past art pieces, this motto shines through. Much like “Tautline”, the art pieces start to create a life for themselves. With students being about to interact and become a part of the process is an essential feature. Every aspect of the art is brought to life, an effort by the audience and the artist.

“It’s not about aesthetics, it’s about the experience,” expressed Burkheimer.

Being a multidimensional artist, Burkheimer sees the beauty in ordinary things. Having a background in architecture and traveling the world, Burkheimer realizes that art and beauty are everywhere, especially in the most unexpected places.

“Everyday moments tucked away in the corner,” said Burkheimer when describing what influences his art and “the idea of doing the best you can with what you have.”

The exhibition will run from Sept. 19 to Dec. 6. The gallery, located in the Art Building, is open on Monday and Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Viewing appointments can be made outside of regular hours by contacting Gallery Director Jenene Nagy at Nagyj@lavc.edu.

Parking can be found on Lot D; guest parking permit is required and is available from nearby lot kiosks for $2 cash.