Reception for Contemporary Drawing Exhibition at the Hawn Gallery

Contemporary Drawing Exhibition at Hawn Gallery

On Thursday, November 21, from 5 to 7 PM, the Hawn Gallery at SMU’s Hamon Arts Library will host the opening reception for a new contemporary drawing exhibition. Decoding: Hidden Traces in Contemporary Drawing offers a rare glimpse into SMU’s University Art Collection. The collection featuring thought-provoking works that challenge traditional notions of drawing.

The evening promises an engaging experience with light refreshments and a special gallery talk by two talented students involved in curating the exhibition. Furthermore, this is a chance to gain insight into the creative and intellectual processes behind the collection.

Discovering Hidden Traces

Decoding examines the fascinating interplay between legibility and abstraction, through the lens of contemporary drawing practices since the 1950s. Moreover, the exhibition brings together works that defy visual uniformity, embracing dramatic variations in scale and experimental techniques.

The pieces in this collection invite viewers to explore layered compositions, inverted symbols, and cryptic numerical notations. Furthermore, these intricate and enigmatic artworks blur the line between text and image. Asking each observer to uncover their own meaning. As you navigate these visual puzzles, you’ll experience drawing as a dynamic and encoded language, one that communicates uniquely to every individual.

A Collaborative Effort

Curated by students in SMU’s Art Gallery Practicum, Decoding showcases the creative energy and scholarly rigor of emerging art historians. The team worked collaboratively with SMU’s Department of Art History and the Hamon Arts Library to bring this visionary project to life.

Contemporary Drawings in a New Light

Ultimately, this contemporary drawing exhibition isn’t just about viewing art—it’s about immersing yourself in it. Through the hidden traces left by each artist, Decoding invites you to embark on a journey of discovery and interpretation. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the transformative power of drawing.