NEW PALTZ — The Student Art Alliance Fall Artist Lecture Series opens with a presentation by Randy Williams, on Wednesday, October 6th, at 7:30 p.m. in Lecture Center 102, State University of New York at New Paltz.
In his installations and constructions, Williams focuses on familiar objects inspired by family, memories of his past, books and the art-making process. From Randy Williams’ perspective as an African-American raised in both the urban north and rural south, he addresses an ever-expanding scope of social issues as well…. “The content of my art explores the tangible events of my past as well as the current events that I experience presently. In a very simple manner my art work acts as a form of re-constructive surgery. Often I explore elements of my past that were harmful to me as an African-American. When I was young I was restrained and incapable of correcting injustices inflicted upon me. Now that I am stronger and have the capacity to view the world differently, I often use my artwork to comment on a personal history.”
“My work is never created in anger,” Williams continues. “I work objectively, often researching areas I can only vaguely recollect. This is the reason for the omnipotent presence of books in my work. My single ambition is to influence my daily activities with my aesthetic vision with my daily activities. To achieve this, I must invoke the visual voice of a poet. This is a life long goal, and my resources are infinite as each moment in time evaporates into the past. I would have it no other way as art is both my salvation and my demon.”
Williams is currently a professor of studio art and art education at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY, as well as an educational consultant to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His work has been the subject of more than twenty-six solo exhibitions and scores of special projects and group shows.
The event is free and open to all. Call (845) 257-3872 for further information. The Student Art Alliance is funded by the SUNY New Paltz Student Association.
