The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University will host an opening reception for two of its latest exhibits — one featuring college students’ artwork and the other honoring the contributions of immigrant and migrant laborers — on Saturday, April 11.
The “Monuments to Migration and Labor” exhibit, which is supported by the Mellon Foundation, features artists from southern New Jersey whose work reflects themes of migration, labor and cultural identity. It’s on display through June 27.
The other exhibit is titled “Emerging Visions: Southern New Jersey University and College Visual Arts Student Showcase” and highlights the work of more than 50 student artists from across the region. Participating institutions include Stockton University, Atlantic Cape Community College, Rowan University, Rowan College at Burlington County and Rutgers University.
One of the featured artists in the “Monuments to Migration and Labor” exhibit is Stockton Associate Professor of Art Chung-Fan Chang. Her ink-and-wash paintings explore memory, heritage and the immigrant experience. Chang, a first-generation immigrant from Taiwan, draws from traditional Chinese painting techniques to depict landscapes rooted in both Taiwan and New Jersey.
“I aim to employ traditional ink and wash Chinese painting techniques on xuan paper to depict my memories of the landscape of Taiwan and New Jersey,” Chang said. “Elements of trees, roots and foliage are depicted through highly repetitive and labor-intensive processes of texture strokes and the traditional dotting methods. These painting processes demonstrate patience and perseverance to develop the surface of paper and represent the beauty and spirituality of Chinese art and my heritage as a first-generation immigrant, promoting cultural diversity in South Jersey.”
Chang also reflected on how the project’s focus on labor and migration connects to her own life. Hearing participants discuss their journeys reminded her of navigating language barriers, maintaining her studio practice and building a life in the United States while much of her family remains in Taiwan.
The “Emerging Visions” exhibit will be on display from April 8 through June 27 and it offers insight into the ideas and practices shaping emerging artists and features a wide range of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, mixed media and digital art.
“Bringing together students from multiple schools across our area makes this exhibition especially meaningful,” said Jennifer Burke, curator of the exhibition and Noyes Museum operations assistant. “It’s inspiring to see how each artist’s unique voice helps shape a shared sense of community and creates a dynamic exchange of ideas, perspectives and creative energy.”
The opening reception for both exhibits will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Arts Garage. Admission is free and open to the public. The Noyes Arts Garage at 2200 Fairmount Ave., is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 609-626-3805.
