Shepherd graduate student to hold art exhibition at Scarborough Library

ISSUED: 1 February 2008
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
(Shepherd graduate student to hold art exhibition at Scarborough Library)

Shepherdstown, WV--Shepherd University graduate student Christopher J. Paulsen will be showing recent artwork in the main reading room of Shepherd's Scarborough Library February 3 through February 29. A closing reception will be held Tuesday, February 26 from 6-8 p.m.

"Serendipity: The Brighter Side of Fate" will feature playful and colorful pieces from the artist's drawing and painting series. The show reveals Paulsen's devilish sense of humor. These twists of fate may be positive, but they also hint at a sinister background. The robotic subjects of the drawings suffer from vices and denigrations human in origin, yet the compositions feature bright, cheerful colors. It is in this contradiction where the fate is revealed. The robots are cautionary tales, built to remind viewers of their own humanity.

The paintings of beautiful women appear whimsical and free, but each composition is derived from a mass-market standard of beauty. The women began as runway models, spokesmodels, cheerleaders, and young actresses whose sex appeal was use to manipulate and market. Paulsen has stripped away the product sold and created stylized paintings focused on a more sincere beauty.

Paulsen, a resident of Winchester, Virginia, graduated from Shepherd in August 2007 with a bachelor of fine arts degree with a concentration in printmaking. Choosing to continue his studies, he entered Shepherd's graduate program. Last year he became the first artist to have work selected for the Student Center's permanent art collection.

For more information contact Paulsen at chrispco@yahoo.com or visit his Web site at chrispco.emeybee.com/paulsen/.

-30-HORST

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