Artist uses computer programming and video in exhibition

Cataneseʼs hybrid work takes many forms—virtual, physical or new combinations of both.

Now through January 8, the Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries at Wright State University presents Relics and Constellations, a solo exhibition of work by Chicago artist Paul Catanese.

Several bodies of work that date back over seven years will be featured in the exhibition, including Misplaced Reliquary, a modified Nintendo Gameboy Advance system and the Aquifers series, delicate yet stark relief prints created with computer controlled milling machines.

The exhibition is curated by Tess Cortés, gallery coordinator for the Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries.

Paul Catanese identifies his artwork as “hybrid.” That is, his broad definition of technology and the use of it in his work often combine what is labeled as “traditional” and “new media.” Cataneseʼs hybrid work takes many forms—virtual, physical or new combinations of both.

Visitors to the exhibition will encounter works of art that skillfully incorporate such implements as intaglio printing, computers, digital video and overhead projectors.

The action of collecting (mostly) organic objects form the basis of much of Cataneseʼs work. In Forgotten Constellations, overhead projectors magnify and illuminate small containers of bones, feathers, teeth, hooks and small piles of carefully placed fragments to create what might resemble a lighted map of a lost or imagined civilization, cast onto the wall for all to examine.

“Paulʼs work stands out as an ideal example of how many of todayʼs artists are using both new and traditional tools in their art-making process,” said Cortés. “I hope this exhibition inspires students to experiment with different media, and follow through with ideas even if that path leads you into unfamiliar territory.”

Catanese is associate chair and associate professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Arts at Columbia College Chicago. He also serves as president of the New Media Caucus, a College Arts Association Affiliate Society.

He is the recipient of numerous grants and awards, including commissions for the creation of new digital artwork from the authoritative net art archives turbulence.org and rhizome.org. His work has been widely exhibited, notably at the Whitney Museum of American Art, the New Museum of Contemporary Art and SFMOMA Artistʼs Gallery.

The exhibition is made possible with support by the Friends and Members of the Galleries, Wright Stateʼs College of Liberal Arts and the Ohio Arts Council.

Gallery hours are Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. All Galleries events are free and open to the public.

All visitor parking areas on campus are free, and parking at the Creative Arts Center is unrestricted after 4 p.m. Fridays and weekends. A dedicated parking space for Galleries patrons is available during school hours.

For more information on upcoming events and exhibitions or for driving directions,  contact the galleries at (937) 775-2978 or visit  www.wright.edu/artgalleries.