The newest Schaefer Art Gallery exhibit, Imprecision: Recent Work by Jenna Hansen opens April 23 with a formal reception from 5-7 p.m. on May 3.
Hansen’s work is colorful and full of movement, made using a technique called “acrylic pouring”, in which she pours paint mixed with additives like water or isopropyl alcohol onto a canvas for a more natural, organic look, which juxtaposes the harsher confines of the square canvas.
One of the goals of Hansen’s work is to show the stark contrast between the curated perfection of human-made geometric shapes and the naturally occurring irregularities in things like clouds and even the human form. “I hope that viewers come away with an appreciation for the imprecision of nature and the idea of what we think of is perfect isn’t necessarily true,” she says. “I wanted to break the mold and be more abstract, let the process take over.”
Hansen, a 2018 graduate, is this year’s fifth year studio tech for the art department. Each year a graduating senior is awarded the position which includes serving as a studio technician, assisting faculty in preparing classrooms and studios, and the opportunity present a solo show in the Schaefer Art Gallery. Hansen also has access to a private studio and a stipend.
While she has had works displayed at the Hillstrom Museum of Art and even the Palazzo dei Cartelloni in Florence, Italy, this is her first solo exhibit. Imprecision is open April 23 through May 24 in the Schaefer Art Gallery which is open everyday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public.