2005/6 Kathleen Neely Macomber Travel Prize Exhibition:
barrels of sea

Opening Reception Tuesday, February 27, 2007, 5 – 9pm
Helen Lindhurst Fine Arts Gallery, Watt Hall
Map and Directions

The exhibition, barrels of sea, is made possible by the 2005/6 Kathleen Neely Macomber Travel Prize.  Receiving the travel grant allowed artist, Karen Chu, to examine the ramifications of our society’s dependence upon oil through research of the environmental impacts of oil spills along the West Coast of the United States.  By identifying and exploring the economic, political, and human factors that contribute to oil spills, as well as the environmental impact of the spills themselves, she hopes to present various perspectives of the narrative in order to gain a better understanding of all the issues involved – its interconnectivity, effects and impacts in our lives.  During summer 2006, Karen traveled from Los Angeles, CA to Valdez, AK collecting information and images while conducting interviews.  Upon her return to Los Angeles, she created a body of oil paintings, prints, and exhibition journal/catalogue based on the research and images taken during her trip.  Karen hopes to create awareness and an exchange of dialogue through her artwork.

2/7/07