Staffer Selected for Prestigious Local Art Exhibit


		Contact: Allison Babka Burney newslink@slu.edu June 8, 2004 Staffer Selected for Prestigious Local Art Exhibit Daniel E.C. Nunez-Shown, administrative secretary in the philosophy department, has been selected to participate in “Critical Mass for the Visual Arts,” the summer exhibition hosted by the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis. As part of the “Dystopic Visions” show, Nunez-Shown and other artists will explore issues dealing with commodities and commodification. Nunez-Shown’s piece, “Home-Less,” is a video sculpture featuring two televisions that continuously play DVDs he created. Nunez-Shown said that “Home-Less” abstractly deals with housing and explores idealized standards, “substandard” housing realities and chapters of the Bible. By asking questions through art, "Home-Less" encourages the viewer to question their relationship to the contemporary system of housing. “I hope that the people who view my work take away questions more than anything else,” Nunez-Shown said. “The way I see it, some people have answers for everything. But I don’t have the answers – I have more questions. Asking questions and constantly evaluating things helps us work toward a better world.” A SLU staff member as well as a studio art and American studies student, Nunez-Shown said that he is excited to present his work in “Dystopic Visions” alongside art by top local artists, including Amy Harmon, Tim Waldrop and Jason Wallace Triefenbach . “The quality of the other artists’ work is great,” Nunez-Shown said. “The caliber is high. This is where the movers and shakers in St. Louis’ art world go to show their work.” Nunez-Shown said that art classes and outstanding faculty members at SLU have helped prepare him for such an important show. He also sites conversations with Nanette Boileau of the Saint Louis University Museum of Art (SLUMA) and Terry Dempsey at the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA) as being inspiring. “The humanities foundation at SLU is very strong. It has enabled me to develop as a contemporary artist.” Nunez-Shown considers the Regional Arts Commission show one of the best opportunities to come his way. ”This could be a stepping stone to bigger and better things,” he said. “It’s one of the most prestigious shows I’ve ever participated in.” Exhibit Information Who: Daniel E.C. Nunez-Shown What: “Dystopic Visions,” part of the “Critical Mass for the Visual Arts” and hosted by the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis When: Opening reception is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, June 11. A talk with the artists and curators will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 7 Where: The Gallery at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd. Info: “Dystopic Visions” runs through Saturday, July 31. For more information, call The Gallery at the Regional Arts Commission at (314) 863-5811. Related links: Philosophy department Studio art program American studies Regional Arts Commission